Chief of Forensic Services

Duties

Typical Tasks

• Plans and provides direction to both sworn and non-sworn staff in the collection, preservation, examination, analysis and storage of physical evidence
• Develops and implements operating policies of the Division subject to review of superiors
• Monitors implementation of policies and initiates corrective action as required; Evaluates laboratory methods and procedures and approves adoption of new methods;
• Coordinates or directs the training of subordinates and laboratory clients; Evaluates performance of subordinates
• Takes disciplinary actions as necessary
• Coordinates Division operations with other divisions within the Office of the Sheriff, other County departments and other law enforcement agencies; Evaluates and recommends on personnel and equipment requirements; Submits an annual budget request for the operation of the division; Evaluates operating costs and assists with the establishment of service fees; Prepares and manages service contracts with division clients
• Provides direction to staff to assure quality of work conducted
• Coordinates the maintenance of assigned facilities and equipment
• Prepares detailed reports, correspondence and statistical data relating to activities of the Division
• Directs the retention and maintenance of Division records
• Speaks to public groups and represents the Office of the Sheriff at various seminars and meetings regarding forensic science services
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with laboratory clients and the public

We are looking for someone who:

• values honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct;
• possesses a strong fundamental knowledge of science, including laboratory safety, and is committed to career-long learning in forensics;
• identifies and understands problems and opportunities and takes common-sense action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, consequences, and policy;
• communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to clearly convey information and ideas;
• is a forward thinker

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Administer and develop programs for the operation of the Forensic Services Division.
• Establish laboratory standards, technical procedures, and internal and external quality assurance programs to ensure that accreditation and/or other standards are met and maintained.
• Review, commend, and correct the performance of subordinates.
• Update divisional policies and procedures and ensure adherence.
• Manage divisional budgets, grants, and purchases.
• Ensure staff adhere to the mission and vision of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Keep current with new developments in criminalistics, forensic sciences, or other relevant sciences, and its application to criminal proceedings. Make necessary policy and procedure changes to implement new developments.
• Select and oversee training of new employees, monitor staff workloads, and provide direction on complex cases.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Command a large division including staff and operations
• Provide input on departmental strategic goals
• Influence and mentor staff
• Directly impact the future of the Sheriff’s Office
• Implement positive organizational change

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Managing a large command of employees
• Fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Interfacing with multiple labor unions
• Conduct complicated administrative and personnel actions

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Industry Monitoring: Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources: Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives

Requirements

License Required:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Either five (5) years of full time or its equivalent experience in forensic science in a criminal justice agency which must have included at least two (2) years of direct administrative responsibility for program supervision, budget preparation and personnel selection; or four (4) years of full time or its equivalent experience in forensic science in a criminal justice agency which must have included at least two (2) years of direct administrative responsibility for program supervision, budget preparation and personnel selection and possession of a valid Advanced Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate as defined in the California Administrative Code.

Substitution:

• Possession of a Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in one of the majors noted above or in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required forensic science experience. No substitution is allowed for the two (2) years of administrative responsibility.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in developing and implementing effective policies, procedures, and methods for a large crime laboratory in compliance with accreditation standards, laws, codes, rules, and regulations
• Experience in analyzing problems, researching and preparing appropriate investigative laboratory procedures and tests
• Effective verbal and written communication, including the preparation of executive-level reports
• Effective leadership, management, supervisory, and operational skills specific to grant programs, program supervision, budget planning, and personnel selection.
• Excellent understanding of scientific principles, methodology, calculations, uncertainty, validation, and contextual boas as applied to forensic science.
• Full command knowledge of evidence handling, preservation, tracking, analysis, reporting, and custody.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and procedures governing the activities of a forensic services laboratory and related criminal investigation functions.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!