Job Summary

The Sheriff's Department is currently accepting applications for

Criminalist II

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increase

- - June 2026 – 3.50% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board)

- - June 2027 – 3.0% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board)

Criminalist II positions are responsible for the collection, preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence relevant to law enforcement investigations. This position also testifies in court as an expert witness.

The ideal candidate is driven to excel, communicates effectively, demonstrates ethical behavior and will be supportive of change.

Hiring Process and Timeline

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

General Option:

A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry; AND

1. Three (3) years of experience as a Criminalist I, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent, with the San Diego Sheriff's Crime Laboratory; OR,
2. Three (3) years of comparable, full-time experience from above including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent. Experience must include proficiency in at least one (1) of the following areas:

a) Analysis of solid dose narcotics and dangerous drugs.
b) Analysis of alcohol content of blood and urine in forensic samples.
c) Forensic DNA analysis including interpretation.
d) Analysis of trace evidence.
e) Analysis of blood, urine, or other materials for drugs and poisons.
f) Comparative analysis of firearms and firearms-related evidence.
g) Identifies, authenticates, and examines as part of the document examination discipline.

NOTE: A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

OR,

B. A Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry; AND:

1. Two (2) years of experience as a Criminalist I, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent, with the San Diego Sheriff's Crime Laboratory; OR,
2. Two (2) years of comparable, full-time experience from above, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent. Experience must include proficiency in at least one (1) of the following areas:
   a) Analysis of solid dose narcotics and dangerous drugs.
   b) Analysis of alcohol content of blood and urine in forensic samples.
   c) Forensic DNA analysis including interpretation.
   d) Analysis of trace evidence.
   e) Analysis of blood, urine, or other materials for drugs and poisons.
   f) Comparative analysis of firearms and firearms-related evidence.
   g) Identifies, authenticates, and examines as part of the document examination discipline.

DNA Option:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or certificate of foreign equivalency in chemistry, biology, or forensic science a closely related field, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry and three (3) semester/four (4) quarter units of EACH molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and statistics and/or population genetics, AND the experience requirements listed above under general options A or B.

Please view the complete Criminalist II job description including examples of duties, knowledge, skills and abilities, etc.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) months employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information provided on the employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualifying individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader).

Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority

The Sheriff's Department is currently accepting applications for Criminalist II - The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment. Future Salary Increase - - June 2026 – 3.50% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board) - - June 2027 – 3.0% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board) Criminalist II positions are responsible for the collection, preservation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence relevant to law enforcement investigations. This position also testifies in court as an expert witness. The ideal candidate is driven to excel, communicates effectively, demonstrates ethical behavior and will be supportive of change. Hiring Process and Timeline. The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies. Minimum Qualifications. General Option: A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry; AND - Three (3) years of experience as a Criminalist I, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent, with the San Diego Sheriff's Crime Laboratory; OR,Three (3) years of comparable, full-time experience from above including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent. Experience must include proficiency in at least one (1) of the following areas: a) Analysis of solid dose narcotics and dangerous drugs. b) Analysis of alcohol content of blood and urine in forensic samples. c) Forensic DNA analysis including interpretation. d) Analysis of trace evidence. e) Analysis of blood, urine, or other materials for drugs and poisons. f) Comparative analysis of firearms and firearms-related evidence. g) Identifies, authenticates, and examines as part of the document examination discipline. NOTE: A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area, may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience. OR, B. A Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry; AND:Two (2) years of experience as a Criminalist I, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent, with the San Diego Sheriff's Crime Laboratory; OR, Two (2) years of comparable, full-time experience from above, including qualified to provide expert testimony through a mock trial/moot court exercise involving casework or equivalent. Experience must include proficiency in at least one (1) of the following areas: a) Analysis of solid dose narcotics and dangerous drugs. b) Analysis of alcohol content of blood and urine in forensic samples. c) Forensic DNA analysis including interpretation. d) Analysis of trace evidence. e) Analysis of blood, urine, or other materials for drugs and poisons. f) Comparative analysis of firearms and firearms-related evidence. g) Identifies, authenticates, and examines as part of the document examination discipline. DNA Option:A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or certificate of foreign equivalency in chemistry, biology, or forensic science a closely related field, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry and three (3) semester/four (4) quarter units of EACH molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and statistics and/or population genetics, AND the experience requirements listed above under general options A or B. Please view the complete Criminalist II job description including examples of duties, knowledge, skills and abilities, etc. Blind Applicant Screening. The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Conditions of Employment. As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Evaluation. Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) months employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information provided on the employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. Accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualifying individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job on a case-by-case basis. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans. Veteran’s Preference Policy. The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator. Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

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