Salary: $7,047.38 - $8,566.13 / Monthly (The salary does not reflect a 1.92% reduction that coincides with the Work Furlough Program.)

Final Filing Date: February 8, 2008

Duties: To plan, direct, organize, and coordinate the operations and activities of the Police Department's Crime Laboratory and Evidence Control unit; and to perform other related work. The Chula Vista Police Department consists of 244 sworn and 102 civilian employees, which are divided into the Patrol Operations, Investigations, Administrative Services and Fiscal Operations/Research Divisions. Reporting directly to the Administrative Services Captain, the Crime Laboratory Manager manages nine full-time employees and oversees three units: Forensics (crime scene investigation, evidence processing and fingerprint examination), Evidence Control and Crime Laboratory Business Office. The Chula Vista Police Department Crime Laboratory works in cooperation with the San Diego Sheriff's Regional Crime Laboratory for the forensic analysis of various items of evidence.

The Chula Vista Police Department's Crime Laboratory is currently seeking ASCLD/LAB (American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board) accreditation. Individuals with experience in an ASCLD/LAB laboratory are highly encouraged to apply. Tentative start date for this position is July 1, 2008.

Essential Functions:
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: plan, direct, organize, and coordinate the operations and activities of the Police Department's Crime Laboratory and Evidence Control unit; supervise and train assigned staff; assign work activities; monitor workflow; conduct performance evaluations and work with employees to correct deficiencies; participate in the selection of staff and recommend the appointment of personnel; manage all phases of crime scene investigations, fingerprint identification, evidence control and any forensic specialty assignments; provide technical support to subordinates on a day-to-day basis; establish procedures and oversee the collection, security, analysis and integrity of physical evidence; evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend and implement improvements and modifications; review and prepare various reports on operations and activities; assess short- and long-term needs; establish laboratory standards and internal and external quality assurance programs to ensure standards are met and maintained; research new technology and efficient methods of performing crime laboratory functions; recommend and implement new crime laboratory policies and procedures; prepare, plan and oversee the Crime Laboratory and Evidence Control budgets; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; order crime laboratory and evidence control supplies; oversee the preparation and maintenance of crime laboratory and evidence control records; research and identify potential grant funding; assist in or prepare grants for final approval; represent the Crime Laboratory at various departmental committee meetings to discuss investigation conclusions, special requests for services and other related topics; represent the department at a variety of professional meetings; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of forensic science; may present court testimony as an expert witness; when necessary, assist with crime scene investigations; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees, and the public using principles of good customer service; perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements: Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be five years of experience working in a law enforcement crime laboratory performing crime scene investigation, fingerprint identification work and evidence control, including two years of supervisory experience AND training equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in physical or natural science, forensic science, criminal justice administration or a closely related field. Experience in an ASCLD/LAB laboratory is desirable. A Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; principles and practices of crime scene investigation, forensic photography and physical evidence comparisons including impression evidence and latent print identification; principles and practices of evidence collection, analysis and preservation; principles and practices of evidence control; principles and practices of forensic and studio photography techniques and digital imaging management systems; principles and practices of laboratory information management systems; principles and practices of laboratory safety; principles and practices of safe handling of chemicals used for fingerprint and crime scene processing; Federal and State statutes and case law covering contraband, drugs and the use of physical evidence in court, the rules of criminal procedures concerning time limits, discovery and evidence; general law enforcement and police department procedures, operations, and policies; principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and personnel management; recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to forensic science; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.

Ability to: supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff; plan and coordinate work assignments; effectively coordinate laboratory activities with other Police Department sections, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations; develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations; research and identify potential grant funding; prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports; maintain confidentiality and security of records and information; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

How to apply: To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a City Application and Supplemental Application by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2008. Applications submitted without a Supplemental Application will not be accepted. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail. If e-mail address is unavailable, notifications will be sent via standard U.S. mail.

Assigned Staff: Erin Dempster, edempster@ci.chula-vista.ca.us, (619) 476-5381

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

www.chulavistaca.gov • (619) 691-5096 • Job Hotline: (619) 691-5095