What are the responsibilities and job description for the Unified Forensics Crime Lab Deputy Director position at City of Aurora?
JOB
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The hiring range for this position is $96,976.86 - $121,221.07 annually.
Supervises daily operations of the crime laboratory, including scheduling, assigning work, approving leave, disciplining employees, and directing resources on criminal cases ensuring completion of analyses.
Assess departmental and customer needs and develops short- and long-term plans to make necessary changes in methods, policies, and procedures in support of these plans
Assists in establishing laboratory standards, technical procedures, and internal and external quality assurance programs to ensure that accreditation and/or other standards are met and maintained; ensures that all standards and practices of the Unified Forensic Laboratory meet the highest level of professionalism and quality assurance
Assists in the selection and oversight of training of new employees, monitors staff workloads, provides direction over staff responsible for the most complex cases, and ensures that laboratory tasks are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner
Keep current with new developments in criminalistics, forensic science, or other relevant sciences, and its application to criminal proceedings
Develop and maintain effective communication with other forensic labs, courts, prosecutors, and any applicable law enforcement and criminal justice agencies
Interpret laboratory results for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts
Establish and assist in the implementation of policies, procedures, and methods pertaining to the collection, security, analysis and integrity of physical evidence
Direct and coordinate presentations, subpoena responses and mutual case needs with the courts, prosecutors, and applicable Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies
Assists in establishing policies, procedures, and methods to ensure that records of analytical work and findings meet court standards
Consult with law enforcement, prosecutors, other forensic labs, and experts on the solution of problems involving the analysis and evaluation of evidence
Provide technical training to regional crime laboratory staff assigned to appear in court and deliver presentations.
Assists in developing laboratory budget proposals and justification, manage grant applications and funding, authorize expenditures, monitor revenues, and oversee the selection and purchase of new laboratory equipment as defined by the laboratory board of directors
Performs other related duties as assigned
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university with a focus in chemistry, forensic science, biochemistry, toxicology, criminalistics, or directly related field.
Experience:
Three (3) years progressively responsible forensic science experience, to include criminalistics.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Colorado Driver's License
May require the successful completion of an annual proficiency testing as required by the applicable accreditation body
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience developing or revising standard operating procedures, the development and administration of competitive testing, training staff, and reviewing reports for technical and administrative accuracy
Experience in crime scene investigation
Able to fulfill the role of backup Technical Leader as needed
Knowledge:
Principles of quantitative and qualitative analysis of physical evidence
Standard and court approved forensic science methods and disciplines which include but are not limited to chemistry, trace evidence, forensic biology, DNA analysis, firearms analysis, latent print examination, forensic imaging, computer forensics, questioned document examination, and crime scene investigation
Rules of evidence and general procedures of civil and criminal practices concerning the physical chain of custody for evidence
Forensic laboratory services and equipment planning, evaluation and assessment
Legal procedures and laboratory support required for criminal investigations
Principles and methods of laboratory management including the safety practices and regulations, planning, direction, and evaluation of the overall activities of a large regional crime laboratory
Supervision and training methods and techniques
Laboratory safety practices and regulations
Principles of forensic science as applied to criminal investigations
Research methods and techniques in the area of laboratory criminalistics
Criteria and standards pertaining to the design and layout of a large regional criminal laboratory
The criminal justice field and associated agencies, organizations, and functions
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and statutes
Skills:
Skill in the use of laboratory and photographic equipment and materials.
Strong interpersonal and managerial skills
Skill in the use of windows-based programs
Strong customer service skills
Skill in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking and media relations
Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
Write detailed technical procedures and reports in a clear and concise manner
Abilities:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce
Administer budgets
Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
Effectively operate a modern forensic science laboratory including work organization, fiscal management, budgetary preparation and control, program planning and implementation
Analyze problems, research and/or prepare appropriate investigative laboratory procedures and tests
Essential Personnel:
When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel
Physical Demands:
Sedentary physical work that involves moving 10 pounds at a time with or without assistance
Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck
Frequent sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers, and copiers
Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing
Occasional pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard
Work Environment:
Works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to dust and noise.
May also work in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.
Will have and/or share on-call responsibilities
Hazards may include exposure to harmful chemicals, carcinogenic substances and fumes, although safeguards are provided
Will have and/or share on-call responsibilities
BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:
This position has been determined to be an EXTREME exposure risk to "bio-hazards" associated with blood-borne pathogens; HIV (aids), HBV (hepatitis B), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis). Members are advised that exposure to a "bio-hazard" may result in severe illness or death. Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing.
Inoculation may be required to prevent or treat exposures to "bio-hazards".
Equipment Used:
Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases
This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment
Specialized laboratory equipment and tools
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The hiring range for this position is $96,976.86 - $121,221.07 annually.
Supervises daily operations of the crime laboratory, including scheduling, assigning work, approving leave, disciplining employees, and directing resources on criminal cases ensuring completion of analyses.
Assess departmental and customer needs and develops short- and long-term plans to make necessary changes in methods, policies, and procedures in support of these plans
Assists in establishing laboratory standards, technical procedures, and internal and external quality assurance programs to ensure that accreditation and/or other standards are met and maintained; ensures that all standards and practices of the Unified Forensic Laboratory meet the highest level of professionalism and quality assurance
Assists in the selection and oversight of training of new employees, monitors staff workloads, provides direction over staff responsible for the most complex cases, and ensures that laboratory tasks are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner
Keep current with new developments in criminalistics, forensic science, or other relevant sciences, and its application to criminal proceedings
Develop and maintain effective communication with other forensic labs, courts, prosecutors, and any applicable law enforcement and criminal justice agencies
Interpret laboratory results for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts
Establish and assist in the implementation of policies, procedures, and methods pertaining to the collection, security, analysis and integrity of physical evidence
Direct and coordinate presentations, subpoena responses and mutual case needs with the courts, prosecutors, and applicable Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies
Assists in establishing policies, procedures, and methods to ensure that records of analytical work and findings meet court standards
Consult with law enforcement, prosecutors, other forensic labs, and experts on the solution of problems involving the analysis and evaluation of evidence
Provide technical training to regional crime laboratory staff assigned to appear in court and deliver presentations.
Assists in developing laboratory budget proposals and justification, manage grant applications and funding, authorize expenditures, monitor revenues, and oversee the selection and purchase of new laboratory equipment as defined by the laboratory board of directors
Performs other related duties as assigned
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university with a focus in chemistry, forensic science, biochemistry, toxicology, criminalistics, or directly related field.
Experience:
Three (3) years progressively responsible forensic science experience, to include criminalistics.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Colorado Driver's License
May require the successful completion of an annual proficiency testing as required by the applicable accreditation body
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience developing or revising standard operating procedures, the development and administration of competitive testing, training staff, and reviewing reports for technical and administrative accuracy
Experience in crime scene investigation
Able to fulfill the role of backup Technical Leader as needed
Knowledge:
Principles of quantitative and qualitative analysis of physical evidence
Standard and court approved forensic science methods and disciplines which include but are not limited to chemistry, trace evidence, forensic biology, DNA analysis, firearms analysis, latent print examination, forensic imaging, computer forensics, questioned document examination, and crime scene investigation
Rules of evidence and general procedures of civil and criminal practices concerning the physical chain of custody for evidence
Forensic laboratory services and equipment planning, evaluation and assessment
Legal procedures and laboratory support required for criminal investigations
Principles and methods of laboratory management including the safety practices and regulations, planning, direction, and evaluation of the overall activities of a large regional crime laboratory
Supervision and training methods and techniques
Laboratory safety practices and regulations
Principles of forensic science as applied to criminal investigations
Research methods and techniques in the area of laboratory criminalistics
Criteria and standards pertaining to the design and layout of a large regional criminal laboratory
The criminal justice field and associated agencies, organizations, and functions
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and statutes
Skills:
Skill in the use of laboratory and photographic equipment and materials.
Strong interpersonal and managerial skills
Skill in the use of windows-based programs
Strong customer service skills
Skill in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking and media relations
Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors
Write detailed technical procedures and reports in a clear and concise manner
Abilities:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce
Administer budgets
Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
Effectively operate a modern forensic science laboratory including work organization, fiscal management, budgetary preparation and control, program planning and implementation
Analyze problems, research and/or prepare appropriate investigative laboratory procedures and tests
Essential Personnel:
When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel
Physical Demands:
Sedentary physical work that involves moving 10 pounds at a time with or without assistance
Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck
Frequent sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers, and copiers
Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing
Occasional pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard
Work Environment:
Works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to dust and noise.
May also work in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.
Will have and/or share on-call responsibilities
Hazards may include exposure to harmful chemicals, carcinogenic substances and fumes, although safeguards are provided
Will have and/or share on-call responsibilities
BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:
This position has been determined to be an EXTREME exposure risk to "bio-hazards" associated with blood-borne pathogens; HIV (aids), HBV (hepatitis B), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis). Members are advised that exposure to a "bio-hazard" may result in severe illness or death. Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing.
Inoculation may be required to prevent or treat exposures to "bio-hazards".
Equipment Used:
Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases
This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment
Specialized laboratory equipment and tools
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.
Salary : $96,977 - $121,221
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