Crime Lab Technical Leader (Forensic Biology/DNA)

Duties

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Provides technical direction and guidance to assigned personnel in the development, execution, and maintenance of the standards and policies of laboratory programs, ANAB accreditation, quality assurance, proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, auditing, and safety to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, generally accepted scientific practices and regulatory standards in a specified unit of assignment to include but not limited to: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination and/or shoe and tire examination.
• In the absence of a Unit Manager, may prioritize and assign responsibilities and duties to unit personnel in various types of analysis, according to the specialized unit of assignment.
• Provides training to unit personnel in techniques, procedures, methodologies, and unit policies and standards.
• Reviews work performed by personnel to verify adherence to unit procedures and regulatory standards.
• Solves technical problems of existing analytical methods; validates new analytical procedures.
• Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas including but not limited to the following: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearms and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
• Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned, i.e., DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
• Isolates, collects, and analyzes materials and evidence derived from both natural and synthetic sources at macroscopic and microscopic levels as applicable.
• Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
• Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
• Oversees and/or performs validations, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include calibration and sterilization procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in proficiency examinations.
• Analyzes reports prepared and submitted by unit personnel for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness and substantiation of action(s) taken.
• Defends the operational policies of their unit in State and Federal court systems.
• May act in the Unit Manager's absence as directed.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a current BSO employee who has successfully completed their probationary period by the listed closing date.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science per the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), or NIST equivalent.
• Six (6) years of progressively skilled experience in DNA analysis.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such training and/or experience must be clearly demonstrated for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g. American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), or International Association for Identification (IAI).
• Certified as an ANAB Technical Assessor, or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.

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