Criminalist I, Chemical Analysis (8259) - San Francisco Police Department

Under general supervision, the Criminalist I in Chemical Analysis receives on‑the‑job training in the examination and identification of chemical substances and the performance of basic chemical analytical tests. The Criminalist I initially trains in foundational chemical analysis procedures, including evidence screening, reagent preparation, sample handling, and routine instrument operation and maintenance. As training progresses, the Criminalist I is assigned routine laboratory duties and, once fully trained, advances to increasingly complex chemical analysis tasks and participates in chemical analysis casework. Essentials Duties & Responsibilities: Retrieves evidence from crime scenes, property control and/or medical examiner's office or from other custodians following established chain of custody procedures. Preserves evidence following established laboratory standards by inventorying, documenting, and safekeeping evidence. Complies with established quality control procedures to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents, trains lab staff and officers in its use. Adheres to established safety standards in the preparation, storage and disposal of chemicals to ensure personal safety and validity of the scientific process. Documents case observations and interpretations through detailed notes, photographs, sketches, charts, etc. Prepares and participates in the review of technical reports on interpretation of case examinations. Uses and maintains highly technical laboratory instruments and equipment. Presents court testimony as an expert witness concerning conclusions drawn from laboratory examinations and analyses. Identifies controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, pharmaceuticals, and others. Assists in the breath alcohol analysis and instrumental support. Participates in proficiency testing to comply with national quality assurance standards. The Criminalist I performs related duties as assigned. How to qualify: To be considered, you must possess the following education and experience: Education: 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. Course work: Must include 8 semester units of chemistry with lab and 8 units of organic chemistry with lab. Verification : To be considered, you must upload your transcript with completion of these courses. License: Possession of a valid driver's license. Desirable Qualifications: The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred to for hiring. Demonstrated interest in forensic chemistry or criminalistics through coursework, internships, workshops, or participation in professional development activities. Familiarity with chemical analysis principles such as chromatography, spectrophotometry, or other instrumental methods used in forensic testing. Experience documenting laboratory observations, maintaining notes, and preparing technical summaries with attention to accuracy and detail. Verification of Education and Experience: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility or disqualification. Background Investigation: Prior to employment with the San Francisco Police Department, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine the candidate's suitability for employment. The investigation may include, but not be limited to: criminal history records, driving records, drug/alcohol screening, and other related employment and personal history records. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances and alcohol, felony conviction, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to work with co‑workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcoho #J-18808-Ljbffr Cityandcountyofsanfrancisco1