Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Toxicology Unit

Duties

• A Forensic Scientist Supervisor is a supervisory position that is responsible for the day-to-day administrative and technical operations of Forensic Science units (Biology-Serology and DNA, Evidence Processing, Latent Prints, Controlled Substances, Firearms/Tool Marks, Toxicology- Blood Alcohol and Drug Screening/Confirmation, and Quality Assurance Unit), or is responsible for a major program (example: Quality Assurance Manager, LIMS Administrator, etc.) and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of one or more units within the division.
• This class requires the combined application of previously attained professional knowledge with competence in general supervision.
• Good communication skills are essential as incumbents consult and coordinate with forensic personnel from other agencies, police officers, attorneys, accreditation assessors, staff members at accreditation organizations, and independent experts regarding the results of laboratory analyses.
• Additional responsibilities include: monitoring special projects, conducting staff meetings, reviewing bid specifications, coordinating evidence processing, and preparing grant applications and subsequent documentation.
• Supervision is received from the Forensic Services Administrator who reviews work through meetings, reports, and results achieved.
• This position involves working with chemicals and other hazardous materials.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science (Criminalistics), or closely related field in a natural science.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience as a Criminalist/Forensic Scientist in a laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences and/or quality assurance manager.

Special Requirements

• Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required.
• Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

• 6 months to 1 year supervisory experience in a crime laboratory is highly desirable.
• Experience in an internationally accredited laboratory is preferred.

Knowledge of

• Accreditation agency accreditation standards;
• OSHA safety requirements;
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);
• Applicable Arizona State Revised Statutes;
• Applicable scientific technical working groups requirements (for discipline/unit assigned);
• Applicable professional organizations (for discipline/unit assigned);
• ISO/IEC17025 requirements and accreditation agency International Supplemental requirements;
• The principles, methods, materials, equipment, and techniques of forensic science;
• The principles of chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and photography as related to forensic science;
• Crime scene procedures and forensic science;
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information on forensic science;
• State and federal statutes and case law covering contraband, drugs, and the use of physical evidence in court;
• The rules of criminal procedures concerning time limits, discovery, evidence, and expert witnesses;
• Supervisory management principles and techniques; and
• Police Department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and unit functions.

Skill in

• The use of forensic laboratory equipment and in demonstrating tests and examinations to others.

Ability to

• Plan, organize, and direct the Forensic Services Division’s activities and quality assurance program;
• Effectively coordinate laboratory activities with other department sections, law enforcement agencies,
• Medical and legal professions, and the judiciary;
• Objectively evaluate subordinate personnel;
• Prepare, monitor, and update the budget for the Forensic Services Division;
• Maintain confidentiality and security of records and information;
• Secure the cooperation of others in difficult work situations;
• Withstand intense examination in court as an expert on the laboratory analysis of evidence; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with police personnel, other law enforcementrelated agencies, City personnel, and the general public.

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