DPS - CLD - Forensic Scientist Team Lead, Seized Drugs - 1603

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Perform advanced (senior-level) forensic science management work. Lead a team with five personnel but less than ten in specialized analyses of evidentiary material. Plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Enter Crosswalk here: Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.Conditions of Employment: Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of:1. Visual acuity,2. Color vision acuity for Friction Ridge, Firearms & Toolmarks, Forensic Document Examination, Seized Drugs, Trace Evidence, Biology/DNA and CODIS, Digital/Multimedia, and Audio/Video/Image Enhancement only,3. Auditory acuity for Digital/Multimedia and Audio/Video Image Enhancement only.All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six months of the start date.ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Manage other Forensic Scientists in the Section in determining work assignments and priorities and may serve as the Technical Leader for the discipline.2. Conduct advanced analyses and examinations of evidentiary exhibits; keeps case records, prepares technical reports; testifies in court on laboratory findings.3. Develop and teach new and improved techniques and procedures to other crime laboratory personnel. 4. Provide training to new Forensic Scientists in conducting forensic analysis and examinations of physical evidence.5. Perform proficiency tests and may review proficiency test work performed by the section staff or monitor testimony of section staff when needed.6. May conduct crime scene investigations to gather physical evidence or coordinate the sending of other Forensic Scientists to a crime scene as needed.7. Research and study current forensic science material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in order to improve, adapt, and implement new procedures and techniques.8. May conduct lecturing and teaching assignments to law enforcement groups, schools, etc. and represent the Department at conferences and meetings.9. May assist Section Supervisor/Lab Manager in evaluating the performance of other Forensic Scientists.10. Communicate with officers and prosecuting attorneys to determine whether needs for forensic services are being met.11. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.12. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: Education – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with Major and/or study emphasis in Chemistry or other major as required for the applicable forensic science discipline.Experience – Minimum five years’ experience in a Crime Laboratory in the respective discipline. A Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for one year applicable experience.Licensure and/or Certification - Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure, Title 1, Chapter 38.01. If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures and related accreditation, licensing and operational standards of crime laboratories. Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership skills – Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Ability to manage training functions, establish goals and objectives; devise solutions to administrative challenges, and develop and evaluate training policies and procedures. Able to develop and validate new and improved workflow techniques and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness; provide clear direction to subordinates; promote teamwork and able to motivate others to accomplish goals.Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Must demonstrate DPS’ core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.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.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 use logic and reasoning in examining data/information; discern variations/similarities; identify trends, relationships and causal factors; grasp issues, identify strengths/weaknesses of alternative solutions and approaches to solving problems; and draw accurate conclusions.Technology and other Laboratory tools/equipment – Considerable knowledge of instrumentation, methods techniques, and controls used in an accredited forensic laboratory. Skill in the use of lab equipment and materials. Demonstrated proficiency with LIMS, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to learn new software/systems. 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 unanticipated travel.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: Laboratory environment, office, outdoors, and vehicle;• Ambulatory skills, e.g. Stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch;• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity; • Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity sufficient to perform micro- and macroscopic examination where required by the specific discipline;• Ability to transfer weights of forty pounds anticipated for this position; • Driving/travel requirements: Occasional (10%).

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