Forensics Manager

Duties

Essential Functions

• Manages, supports, supervises, and oversees forensics activities; monitors audits of existing facilities, equipment, and personnel to ensure effectiveness and efficiency; ensures accurate, timely, and unbiased lab case reports and records.
• Identifies, determines, and analyzes performance and technical trends; determines methodologies to implement forensic and quality assurance best practices; provides training and oversight to ensure best practices are implemented.
• Develops, establishes, and implements short- and long-range plans, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial, and technical support to the division; determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the division.
• Manages, oversees, and supervises personnel; performs hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions and performance appraisals to ensure effective work is being performed.
• Evaluates, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures for forensics activities; ensures division is in compliance with all City practices, policies, procedures, and all applicable forensic standards.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the budget; manages expenditures, tracks revenues, and ensures division operates within appropriated budget.
• Develops and implements management techniques, and maintains a quality control program to ensure compliance with best practices, accreditation, licensing, and legal requirements; monitors external legal precedents affecting the operation of the division and department.
• Develops proficiency training and testing programs; schedules, monitors, and provides for training of subordinates; ensures all current and appropriate laws, standards, and adopted guidelines of forensic science are communicated and enforced.
• Responds to crime scenes when necessary and assists in transporting evidence, equipment, and other forensic-related materials.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of forensic processes, techniques, and methods as applicable to Forensic Science Division disciplines.
• Knowledge of forensic method validation best practices, quality assurance standards and technical best practices.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws, and ordinances governing evidence control.
• Knowledge of City practice, policies, and procedures, and current applicable forensic accreditation and licensing standards.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Ability to use and employ computers and related software applications.
• Ability to research, perform data analysis, manage report writing, provide technical trouble shooting, and support problem solving.
• Ability to effectively develop, review, and critique validation test plans, validation reports, experimental or analytical data, and associated standard operating procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to effectively train and lead others.
• Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in a forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, social science or criminal justice field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Eight (8) years of professional level experience engaging in crime scene investigation and/or forensic analysis involving comparative identification, collection, lab processing and preservation of evidence, interviewing, records management, documentation and evaluation of forensic evidence, of which four (4) years of supervisory/management or forensic oversight experience with a law enforcement crime scene unit or active crime laboratory.

EQUIVALENCIES:

• An associate's degree in any field and ten (10) years of the required experience including four (4) years of supervisory/management or forensic oversight experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
• A master's degree or higher in a specified field plus seven (7) years of the required experience including four (4) three (3) years of supervisory/management or forensic oversight experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• A current license or certification from an accredited organization (International Association for Identification( I.A.I) or Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC)) is highly preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must successfully complete the DPD Internal Forensic training program within sixty (60) days of hire.
• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No Felony or Class A Misdemeanor convictions.
• No Class B Misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No family violence convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any Felony, Class A, or Class B Misdemeanor.
• No drug or domestic violence related convictions.

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