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About the Role

The Criminalist I in Digital Forensics performs scientific examination, analysis, and interpretation of physical and digital evidence to support criminal investigations. Staff follow established protocols, document analytical results, maintain evidence integrity, and provide technical findings to investigators and courts, requiring adherence to professional forensic standards, chain-of-custody requirements, and quality assurance procedures.

Responsibilities

Collect, preserve, examine, process, and analyze digital evidence, including digital media, computers, mobile devices, storage media, cloud environments, and related forensic material.
Conduct forensic examinations and scientific testing using established laboratory procedures, instruments, specialized forensic software and hardware, and other approved digital forensic tools to recover, authenticate, interpret, and analyze evidence.
Maintain the integrity, security, and chain of custody of physical and digital evidence in accordance with forensic best practices, laboratory requirements, and departmental policies, including the transportation of evidence between authorized locations.
Interpret analytical results and prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports documenting examination methods, procedures, findings, and conclusions for investigative and judicial purposes.
Maintain complete and accurate case notes, laboratory records, examination documentation, and other records required for casework, quality assurance, and accreditation.
Assist with the development, validation, implementation, and periodic review of forensic methods, laboratory procedures, digital forensic processes, and related documentation.
Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instruments, equipment, and forensic systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, laboratory requirements, and established procedures.
Follow established quality assurance and quality control practices, safety requirements, evidence handling procedures, and forensic protocols.
Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, required training, continuing education, and literature reviews; remain current on scientific, technological, and forensic developments relevant to assigned disciplines.
Provide expert testimony in court and other legal proceedings regarding examinations performed, analytical methods used, findings, and conclusions reached.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Skills

Exposure to digital forensics tools or methods through coursework, internships, research, or certificate programs.
Familiarity with basic principles of digital evidence (file systems, data storage, metadata, timestamps, etc.).

Location

1995 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Work Type

Permanent Exempt
Full-time
Telecommuting work schedule available in line with CCSF policy based on available work/assigned duties
Some assignments may require working weekends and/or holidays

Education Level

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field.

Salary/Compensations

$104,338 - $126,802

Benefits

Employee Benefits Overview

About the Company

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continues to evolve as an effective, inclusive, and modern police organization.
We are focused on maintaining the trust of the people who live, work, and visit San Francisco by reviewing our initiatives, learning from best practices, and adapting to the changing needs of the City.
The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect for all.
We are committed to just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive policing carried out with dignity and in partnership with the community.
We collaborate with community members and City partners to promote safety, fairness, and trust across San Francisco, with an emphasis on strong relationships and support for the well‑being of our neighborhoods.
The Department is dedicated to excellence in law enforcement and to the people, traditions, and diversity of San Francisco.
Our mission is to keep the public safe by protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing the fear of crime.
We provide service with understanding, respond with compassion, and perform with integrity as we continue to grow as a forward‑thinking organization serving one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

Equal Opportunity

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.
Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.