Criminalist I/II - Controlled Substances/Toxicology (20715643)

The County of San Mateo's Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, which is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board in both Testing and Calibration, is seeking to fill a Criminalist I/II position within its Controlled Substances and Toxicology Sections, which includes participation in crime scene examination.

The Forensic Laboratory was constructed in March 2003 and is located in San Mateo, California. It is managed by a civilian Laboratory Director who is currently supported by three Supervising Criminalists, one Legal Office Services Supervisor, 28 Criminalists and technicians, two Legal Office Specialists, and two Property Officers.

The Criminalist will report to a Supervising Criminalist and will analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations, providing laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of seized drug analysis, toxicology (blood alcohol and breath alcohol) and driving under the influence (DUI) interpretation. They may participate in validation studies of new technology and methods for use in casework, cold case investigations, internal audits, and guiding our intern program. Also, on a rotational basis, they will respond with a partner to investigate crime scenes for homicides and officer-involved critical incidents. To learn more about the department, visit: https://www.smcsheriff.com/multi-jurisdictional-division/forensic-laboratory.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced toxicologist, seized drug analyst, or laboratory chemist dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the forensic industry.
• Have knowledge/experience in blood alcohol analysis, breath alcohol analysis, and DUI interpretation.
• Have knowledge/experience in the analysis of controlled substances.
• Have a baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science.
• Be experienced in using a wide variety of equipment and instrumentation, including gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.
• Have courtroom testimony experience.

Additional emphasis will be placed upon the following professional and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated project management proficiency, effective planning, organizing, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter who is motivated and capable of demonstrating measurable work results in a timely manner.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Ability to persuasively communicate ideas and goals and effectively motivate others to achieve those goals.
• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Understanding of current forensic technology and experience in the collection of biological fluids and other physical evidence at crime scenes.

There is currently one vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy may be filled at the Criminalist I or Criminalist II level.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Examine and identify controlled substances using chemical and instrumental techniques.
• Perform quantitative alcohol analysis on blood and urine samples.
• Perform maintenance and calibration procedures on evidential breath alcohol testing instrumentation.
• Instruct officers in the operation of breath alcohol testing instrumentation.
• Analyze and interpret reported driving patterns, field sobriety test (FST) results, and objective signs and symptoms in conjunction with a chemical test result for alcohol in either breath or blood.
• Prepare evidence for presentation in court and testify as an expert witness on the results of laboratory analysis.
• Engage in crime scene examination of major crime scenes; identify, document, and collect physical evidence.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to major crime scenes; each one-week on-call rotation repeats approximately every eight weeks.
• Take photographs.
• Participate in public relations activities such as conducting tours of the Laboratory and speaking to various interested groups.
• Care for and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:
Final Filing Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST
Applicant Screening: Week of March 23, 2026
Panel Interviews: Week of April 13, 2026