Job Description

Copies of Official Transcripts indicating conferred degree are Required (Applications without copies of Official Transcripts indicating conferred degree attached will be subject to rejection)

This posting is open to current DPS Crime Lab employees only.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Perform advanced (senior level) managerial work administering the activities of an agency's business function, division, or department. Establishes and maintains all laboratory records in accordance with specifications. Train, supervise, and evaluate employees in the respective forensic science discipline. Plan the work of the laboratory/section, determining optimal utilization of resources and staffing within allocated operating and travel budgets. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Laboratory Section Supervisor III supervises approximately 20 employees.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Evaluate the work product of the section by reviewing laboratory reports and work records; ensure that quality work is performed, that accurate reports are issued, and that all quality assurance measures are being met.

2. Direct personnel to achieve goals and meet customer needs.

3. Assign casework for the section.

4. Liaise and communicate with area law enforcement personnel and prosecuting attorneys to ascertain and ensure section meets user needs.

5. Oversee and ensure evidence is inventoried and secured properly, in accordance with policy, including receipt, destruction, and return of evidence.

6. Provide input to management team for long term planning of the section, including the selection of new capital equipment, changes in needs for resources, and changes in objectives for the section.

7. Ensure that the section facility and equipment are adequately maintained.

8. Train and develop employees; and participate in interview/selection activities.

9. Oversee the procurement of equipment and supplies; ensure safety training is completed as required and that employees adhere to safety procedures.

10. Research and monitor new advances and techniques in forensic examination; keep staff apprised of same and adjust procedures accordingly following validation.

11. Review monthly laboratory activity information, as specified.

12. Coordinate the scheduling of laboratory staff for court appearances.

13. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

14. Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Identified by option.

A: Biology/DNA

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science* or a related discipline and successfully completed 9 semester or equivalent credit hours covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology and coursework or training in statistics and/or population genetics.

Experience - Identified by option.

A: Biology/DNA

A minimum of three (3) years' work experience as a Forensic Scientist III (within DPS) or a minimum total of seven (7) years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in the discipline of Biology/DNA in a Crime Laboratory.

Substitution Note: For all disciplines listed above, experience as a supervisor in the relevant discipline may substitute for the years of work experience on a year for year basis.

Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.

Regulatory knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to applicable departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Forensic Science - Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:

• Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;

• Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;

• Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;

• Supervise personnel who conduct testing used in examination of evidence

• Testify in court as an expert witness.

Interpersonal Skills- Ability to work effectively with crime laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.

Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.

Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership skills - Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Able to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Must exhibit integrity; provide clear direction to subordinates; promote teamwork and be able to motivate others to accomplish goals.

Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) - Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Travel and/or Schedule - Availability for after-hour and weekend work, on occasion, may be required.

PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Environment: Office, Laboratory;

• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;

• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;

• Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work.

• Ability to transfer weights of 25 pounds anticipated for this position;

• Driving requirements: Moderate frequency 10%.

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.