JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
JOB DESCRIPTION

Division:  Law Enforcement: Investigative        Unit:     Forensic Laboratory

Duty Title:   Forensics Laboratory Director _         

Minimum Salary: $ 131,250.00                Exempt: YES

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Major             

PREPARED BY: Sgt. Perry Tindall                UPDATED: 06-08-2022

APPROVED BY: Sheriff Dave Marshak            DATE: ______________

Summary:
The purpose of this position is to direct the Crime Laboratory operations, conduct analyses of physical evidence using scientifically accepted forensic protocols and to prepare laboratory reports. The work is performed under the supervision of the Detective Bureau Commander: Lieutenant.
The position of Criminalistics Laboratory Director is responsible for developing comprehensive analytical reports and working with supervisory staff and investigative personnel to assist with gathering information relevant to criminal investigations. The position may also be responsible for compiling statistical reports for grants and monthly, quarterly, and yearly commander’s reports.

The Criminalistics Laboratory Director must be able to act without direct supervision in emergency situations and provide guidance to his/her subordinates during these situations.  The Criminalistics Laboratory Director will not be armed and will possess no power of arrest.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill(s), and/or ability(s) required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Sheriff or designee.

Enforces the established rules, regulations, and procedures to be executed by a first-line supervisor.

      Criminalistics Laboratory Director prepares the work-schedules and assignment of duties conducted by Forensic Scientists and ensure their subordinates maintain prompt and regular attendance.

      Criminalistics Laboratory Director ensures monthly General Order(s)/Policy Review Documentation for C.A.L.E.A. is submitted on behalf of the Crime Laboratory division.

      Oversee the supervision and coordinated activities of subordinates assigned to the Crime Laboratory division.  This includes;

Forensic Scientist(s)
Clerical Personnel

      Oversee the supervision and the coordination pertaining to the analysis of items of evidence, offering guidance and expertise to subordinates, ensuring protocols, General Orders and examination procedures are conducted in accordance with State and Federal laws, County Ordinances and Laboratory specific accreditations.

      Explain Sheriff’s Office operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their assigned job task(s).

      Possesses the ability to take detailed investigative notes.

      Ability to write and thoroughly review criminal analysis/investigative reports for accuracy; document and maintain files, including using computers for reporting and retrieval of investigative information.

      Operate an assigned department issued and/or County owned vehicle in a proficient manner and in accordance with Municipal, County and State traffic laws and regulations.

      Coordinate the monitoring/tracking of forensic cases assignments submitted to the Crime Laboratory.

      Ensure their subordinates answer/reply to telephone messages, emails, letters or investigative requests from Municipal, State and Federal Prosecuting Attorneys or Law Enforcement entities.

      Prepares and submits yearly budget requests to the Under Sheriff, detailing equipment and other expenditures required to maintain the efficient operations of the Crime Laboratory division.

      Plans, organizes and directs the operations of the Crime Laboratory division to ensure the timely, efficient, reliable, and defensible forensic analysis of physical evidence.

      Supervises professional, technical and clerical staff by assigning and reviewing work, evaluating employee performances, administering discipline policy, recruiting qualified candidates and training staff.

Prepare documentation to reward/recognize subordinates for demonstrating  exceptional performance when completing their job tasks.

      Supervises evidence analyses and reporting. Provides technical advice and assistance to subordinates and law enforcement personnel.

      Assigns laboratory tasks and performs technical and administrative reviews of laboratory reports.

      Evaluates work performance of subordinates and ensures their subordinates are proficient in their job-related tasks.

      Performs analyses of a variety of physical evidence from criminal cases and prepares and submits laboratory reports.

      Analyses may include visual, chemical (quantitative and qualitative) and physical to examine, identify, classify and associate evidentiary items.

      Types of analyses may include: Controlled Substances and other drugs; alcoholic beverages; blood alcohol concentrations; ignitable liquid classification and identification.

      Types of analyses may include: Biological stain identification and characterization utilizing forensic biological/serological and DNA methodologies.

      Types of analyses may include: Firearm-related examinations and serial number restorations.

      Analyses are performed and conclusions drawn from following scientifically accepted forensic laboratory protocols utilizing analytical tests, equipment and instrumentation.

      Analyses are performed and conclusions drawn from following: measurements of density, weight (mass), volume, area, pH, temperature, etc.; observation of color changes, melting point, solubility, re-crystallization, etc.

     Equipment may include colorimetric and/or microcrystalline reagents, microscopes, genetic analyzer, real-time PCR-DNA system, thermal cycler, pipets, incubators, centrifuges, heat blocks, calipers, balances, scales, gas chromatographs.

     Additional equipment may include mass spectrometers and infrared spectrometers, etc.

     Oversees the technical, quality control/assurance, security, administrative, information management system, and safety aspects of the Crime Laboratory.

     Ensures continuing compliance with management system and accreditation requirements.

     Participates in routine proficiency testing in the specific forensic disciplines in which casework analyses are performed.

     Participates in continuing education and training. Maintains knowledge of forensic methodologies, quality control/assurance, research, safety, security, drug trends, etc.

     Prepares long-range capital improvement plans and implementation. Plans and administers annual laboratory budget.

     Drafts specifications, requests for proposals, contracts and bids regarding lab-related operations.

     Research availability of supplemental funding sources.

     Keeps abreast of available grant funding and is responsible for the administration of the Laboratory’s grants and other funding awards. Prepares specifications, applications, request for proposals, contracts, statistical & progress reports, and other required grant-related documentation.

     Testifies as an expert witness in court, at hearing and depositions.

     Acts as a liaison, representing the Sheriff’s Office and the County of Jefferson, Missouri, to other investigative entities in forensic matters as necessary and/or  required.

     Writes and performs periodic reviews of laboratory policy and procedure manuals.

Remains current in the field of forensic science by reviewing scientific journals, attending seminars, conferences and professional organizations.

     Maintains knowledge of chemical analysis procedures and methods related to crime laboratories; safety; QA/QC.

     Responsible for compiling and submitting monthly statistical information including cases worked, turn-around time, backlog, etc. for periodic internal and external reporting for the Crime Laboratory division and its personnel.

     Present statistical report information during Quarterly Staff Meetings.

     Prepares a  comprehensive Year-End Report for the Crime Laboratory division and submits it to the Detective Bureau Commander.

     Oversees laboratory’s internship/practicum and job shadow programs.

     Ensures laboratory maintains appropriate licensing, certifications, compliances and accreditations.

     Assists local, state, and federal agencies with investigations and cooperative studies.

     Conducts forensic training.

     Prepares necessary reagents, indicators, standards, and calibrators required for forensic testing.

Performs general custodial tasks.

     Conducts instrument maintenance, calibration and upgrades.

     Responsible for the evaluation and acquisition of equipment and supplies required for laboratory.

     Develops, evaluates, validates and implements various analytical methods.

Performs forensic research.

Provide DPS-certified forensic science training to law enforcement academy students.

     On-call for crime scene assistance, forensic technical assistance and priority physical evidence analysis.

Serve as Quality Assurance Manager or Technical Coordinator / Leader in forensic discipline(s) in which the laboratory is accredited.

     Any other Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory related concern(s), request(s)  task(s), that promote the efficient operation of the Sheriff’s Office, as required/prescribed by the Sheriff or his designee.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice in order to meet the efficient operating needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill(s), and/or ability(s) required. Also, be able to perform all essential duties as required for all Forensic Scientists level employee(s) assigned to the Criminal Laboratory.

Competencies:

Ethical Conduct.

Stress Management/Tolerance/Composure.

Problem Solving/Analysis/ Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables.  

Communication Proficiency: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Strategic Thinking.

Teamwork Orientation.

Diversity and Inclusion.

Collaboration Skills.

Language Skills: Able to speak and write English.

Mathematical Skills: General math knowledge.

Integrity.

Self-Control.

Dependability.

Leadership Skills/Abilities.

Attention to Detail.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems or concerns.  

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:

The employee must possess the ability to critically evaluate and trouble-shoot methodologies and scientific instrumentation.  The employee must possess the ability to use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading teaching, directing and controlling.  The employee must possess the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria which are clearly measurable.

Physical Demands and Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

Infrequently requires the ability to lift, push/pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds and the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.  The employee must possess the ability to exert required physical effort in performing light work to moderate work, typically involving some combination of grasping, feeling, handling, reaching, standing, walking stooping, kneeling, and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hand(s) to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hand(s) and arm(s) and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must possess the ability to coordinate eye(s), hand(s), feet and limb(s) in performing coordinated movements such as cutting and drilling, data entry, and all other job-related tasks.  The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell.  

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  

The employee must possess the ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring continuous adjustments, such as computers, calculator, police radio, electronic scales/balances, gas chromatograph, spectrometers, analyzers, microscopes, etc.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This position regularly requires eight (8) hour shifts with the possibility of additional hours when the Detective Bureau Division is activated to conduct a criminal incident investigation involving violent crimes against person(s).  Activation periods may include night, weekend and holiday work.

Travel:

Travel is primarily locally during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected for training, certifications or investigative (job-task) related duties/assignments.  To meet the needs of the Sheriff’s Office, travel may be required between facilities operated by the Sheriff’s Office or other investigative entities.  

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Education:

Bachelor's degree, however, an advanced degree in Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science or another related field is preferred.



Certifications:

 A Type I Permit from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is required if blood alcohol concentration (BAC) cases are analyzed.

 Certification in a forensic science discipline or quality related field may be required.

Job Experience:

 5 or more years of forensic laboratory experience, which may include 2 years chemical / forensic analysis and/or QA/QC related experience.

 1 year laboratory management experience.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of skills required by forensic scientists in performing tests and analyses of a variety of evidentiary substances and materials.

 Knowledge of principles and techniques of management and supervision.

 Skill in supervising staff effectively through the use of various management techniques.

 Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other departments, law enforcement officials, attorneys, other disciplines, subordinate employees and the public.

 Proven ability to organize, prioritize and delegate work in order to ensure effective operation of programs and services.

 Proven ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials, attorneys, medical examiners, peers and the general public.

 To perform DNA testing on casework (DNA Analyst or DNA Technical Leader), the educational, training, experience and continuing education requirements delineated in the most recent Forensic DNA Audit document must be met.

 Must successfully complete a competency test and specialized training in specific forensic discipline(s) prior to performing casework. Must maintain proficiency in practicing disciplines through successful completion of appropriate proficiency testing.

 Working knowledge of computers and relevant software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc.

 Working knowledge of quality systems, audit concepts, and document control.

 The essential education and experience required for all Forensic Scientists assigned to the Crime Laboratory.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license. (Must not have any revocations or drinking/drug convictions.)  

Knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of evidence.

Knowledge of the geography of the County.

Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of the General Orders, Policies and Directives of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Knowledge of first aid principles.

Knowledge of State Statutes and County Ordinances.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Employee is required to work both day and night shifts.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to perform both inside and outside work with exposure at times to extreme in climate weather conditions.

Environmental Adaptability:

Employee must have the ability to work under conditions which require exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations and extremes, odors, toxic agents, bio-hazardous materials, noise, violence, explosives, electrical currents, disease or dust.
This exposure may cause some discomfort and presents a risk of injury.  There is the possibility of exposure to fire, chemical, electrical, mechanical and firearm hazards. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.  Much of the time spent in this position will be within an office/laboratory setting environment and occasionally in a motor vehicle.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The County of Jefferson and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, State of Missouri, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.