Supervising Criminalist

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following

• Supervises, coordinates, and oversees activities in one or more crime lab units; provides direct supervision to criminalists and related staff; assigns, reviews, and evaluates subordinates' work; trains subordinates on laboratory procedures, practices, and methodologies; independently hires staff or participates in the hiring process, including making recommendations; recommends and administers disciplinary actions, including termination.
• Conducts training sessions in techniques of collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence; instructs personnel in proper care of maintaining chain of evidence.
• May perform the most complex or politically sensitive laboratory analyses and examination of evidence; analyzes a variety of materials and objects, which may constitute evidence.
• Studies new techniques and procedures in the field of criminalistics; conducts research in the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment for the solution or problems in the laboratory and clandestine laboratories; may review, write, and/or recommend changes to policies or procedures.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding scientific facts established in the analysis of evidence and may be required to draw sound conclusions and/or observations based upon such facts.
• May assist with budget preparation and other administrative duties; monitors program grants and contract proposals for services with vendors.
• Reviews subordinates' reports for quality, accuracy and completeness; ensures compliance with division procedures and regulations.
• Cooperates and consults with other laboratories and law agencies; may represent the crime laboratory at various meetings or public gatherings.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Requirements
Education

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological science or forensic science.

-AND-

Experience

• Four (4) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing analysis and comparison of typical forensic samples in DNA/serology, toolmarks/firearms, trace evidence, toxicology, solid dose drug analysis, or forensic alcohol analysis.

Note: Qualifying degree and coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service indicating equivalency to degrees or coursework as above.

The ideal candidate will have

• A minimum of 5 years of forensic science experience to include completion of a forensic training program, competency tested, court qualified, and successfully passing proficiency testing.
• Supervisory experience in a forensic laboratory setting.
• Experience in multiple disciplines such as Forensic Biology/DNA, Firearms, Seized Drugs, Toxicology (Alcohol), Breath Alcohol Calibration, Materials/Trace, Crime Scene Investigation.
• Experience and knowledge in ISO/IEC Forensic Accreditation.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to exercise proper judgment and discretion in working with others.
• The ability to foster a teamwork environment and manage the work of professional and support staff.
• The capacity to courage collaboration and joint problem solving within a work unit.
• The capacity to provide feedback and coaching to enhance the skills and career development of subordinates.
• The ability to confront and resolve conflict.
• The ability to balance competing needs.
• The ability to establish procedures and methods to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

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