Manager – Forensics

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Job Summary

Performs moderately complex management or oversight activities for daily operations of an operating unit or functional program. Work involves establishing short-, mid-, or long-term goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, rules and regulations; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities; and developing and evaluating budget requests. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Job Description
 

Overview

The Manager - Forensics manages, oversees, and supervise the daily activities, operations, and personnel in support of the Forensic Firearm and Latent Print activities or Crime Scene Investigation activities for the department. Performs risk management, fiscal and materials management, and program evaluation, while providing technical and managerial support to functional divisions in the department.

Essential Functions

1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 Manages, oversees, and supervises personnel; performs hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions and performance appraisals to ensure effective work is being performed.

5 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.

6 Participates in the development and implementation of the budget; manages expenditures, tracks revenues, and ensures division operates within appropriated budget.

7 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.

8 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.

9 Responds to crime scenes when necessary and assists in transporting evidence, equipment, and other forensic-related materials.

10 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or Natural Sciences, or a related discipline within these fields. 

EXPERIENCE:

• Seven (7) years of experience in crime scene investigation and/or analysis involving identification, collection, lab processing and preservation of evidence, interviewing, records management, documentation and evaluation of forensic evidence.

AND

• Three (3) years of supervisory/management , or forensic oversight experience with a law enforcement crime scene unit or active crime laboratory.

EQUIVALENCIES:

• Associate degree in any field plus nine (9) years of the required experience including three (3) years of the stated supervisory/management, or forensic oversight experience will meet the education and experience requirement.

• A master's degree (or higher) in a required field plus five (5) years of the required experience including three (3) years of the stated supervisory/management, or forensic oversight experience will meet the education and experience requirement.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.

• A current license or certification from a professional organization (IAI / TFSC / AFTE) is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

• 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.

Salary Range

 

$73,590.40 - $91,977.60

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.