Career Opportunity

Criminalist I, Forensic Biology DNA (8259) – San Francisco Police Department

Recruitment: RTF0166900-01101654

Published: August 21, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

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.

• Application Opening: August 21, 2026
• Application Deadline: Apply immediately, announcement may close any time after 2 weeks from posting date.
• Class & Compensation: $104,338 - $126,802
• Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt - This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. The duration of the appointment shall not exceed 36 months.
• Work Location: 1995 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Full-time. Up to one day a week Telecommuting work schedule available in line with CCSF policy based on available work/assigned duties. Some assignments may require working weekends and/or holidays.

Role description

Under general supervision, the Criminalist I in Forensic Biology DNA receives on‑the‑job training in the examination and analysis of biological evidence. The incumbent learns and performs serological and DNA laboratory procedures, including evidence screening, sample preparation, and routine analytical tasks. As proficiency develops, the Criminalist I progresses to more complex examinations and participates in forensic biology casework.

Essentials Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Examine evidence from criminal investigations for the presence of biological material.
2. Perform chemical, microscopic, and genetic analyses of biological evidence using established laboratory procedures.
3. Interpret analytical data and document observations according to laboratory protocols.
4. Prepare clear and detailed case notes and written reports of scientific findings.
5. Retrieve evidence from SFPD Property Control and/or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner while maintaining proper chain‑of‑custody.
6. Follow established quality control, quality assurance, and laboratory safety procedures.
7. Prepare casework folders and assist in assembling documentation required for technical review by senior staff.
8. Enter case information and analytical results into laboratory computer systems and tracking databases.
9. Maintain and operate laboratory instruments, including performing routine checks and documenting maintenance consistent with established procedures.
10. Participate in required DNA‑typing proficiency tests.
11. Provide impartial court testimony regarding examinations performed and scientific conclusions reached.
12. Conduct visual, microscopic, and chemical examinations of evidence to identify biological material such as blood, semen, saliva, hair, and tissue.
13. Perform DNA testing to characterize biological evidence and assist in determining potential contributors.
14. Ensure proper handling, processing, and preservation of biological evidence in accordance with established policies and protocols.
15. Participate in discussions or informal peer interactions regarding casework, under the direction of senior criminalists, to support adherence to laboratory standards.

The Criminalist I performs related duties as assigned.

How to qualify

How to qualify: To be considered, you must possess the following education and experience:

1. 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 the subject areas of forensic science, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or other subjects that provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis. Course work must include 9 (nine) cumulative semester hours or equivalent that cover the required subject areas.
  • Verification: To be considered, you must upload your transcript with completion of these courses.

AND

2. License: Possession of a valid California 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 science through academic projects, internships, workshops, or participation in professional development activities.
• Familiarity with serological and DNA analysis principles, including biological screening methods, PCR, genetic markers, or DNA profiling.
• Experience preparing scientific notes, laboratory documentation, or 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 https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements

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/alcohol screening, and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed; candidates who do not report their complete criminal records on their applications will be disqualified. Applicants will be fingerprinted.

What else should I know?

How To Apply:  Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process.

Visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ and begin the application process.

• Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up to date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the Recruitment Analyst, Danny Wan, at danny.wan@sfgov.org

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

SFPD Recruitment: https://www.joinsfpd.com/

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.