What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Lab Technical Leader (Forensic Biology/DNA) position at Broward County Sheriff's Office?
- Must be a current BSO employee who has successfully completed their probationary period by the listed closing date.
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science per the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), or NIST equivalent.
- Six (6) years of progressively skilled experience in DNA analysis.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such training and/or experience must be clearly demonstrated for consideration.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g. American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), or International Association for Identification (IAI).
- Certified as an ANAB Technical Assessor, or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.
Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to manage the technical operations within the Crime Lab of the Broward Sheriff's Office. Position is responsible for problem solving crime lab analytical methods. Position validates new analytical procedures, oversees training, quality control and safety programs within the lab. As an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, employees in this position must adhere to accreditation standards encompassing extensive case documentation, validation of procedures, technical and administrative review of reports and case notes. Employees in this classification are required to manage and participate in proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, continued technical training, quality audits, and accreditation inspections by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Employees perform specialized technical and scientific work in the application of advanced laboratory techniques in one (1) or more assigned areas of analysis, under the supervision of the Crime Lab Unit Manager. Position is responsible for formal reporting and testifying to findings of such analysis. Performs related work as directed.
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
Provides technical direction and guidance to assigned personnel in the development, execution, and maintenance of the standards and policies of laboratory programs, ANAB accreditation, quality assurance, proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, auditing, and safety to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, generally accepted scientific practices and regulatory standards in a specified unit of assignment to include but not limited to: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination and/or shoe and tire examination.
In the absence of a Unit Manager, may prioritize and assign responsibilities and duties to unit personnel in various types of analysis, according to the specialized unit of assignment.
Provides training to unit personnel in techniques, procedures, methodologies, and unit policies and standards.
Reviews work performed by personnel to verify adherence to unit procedures and regulatory standards.
Solves technical problems of existing analytical methods; validates new analytical procedures.
Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas including but not limited to the following: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearms and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned, i.e., DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
Isolates, collects, and analyzes materials and evidence derived from both natural and synthetic sources at macroscopic and microscopic levels as applicable.
Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
Oversees and/or performs validations, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include calibration and sterilization procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in proficiency examinations.
Analyzes reports prepared and submitted by unit personnel for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness and substantiation of action(s) taken.
Defends the operational policies of their unit in State and Federal court systems.
May act in the Unit Manager's absence as directed.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Depending on functional area of assignment duties and responsibilities may include:
Forensic Biology/DNA – Involves the examination of forensic evidence for the indication or presence of biological materials including blood and semen. DNA analysis involves the extraction, quantitation, analysis and interpretation of forensic DNA samples isolated from materials listed herein.
Controlled Substances/Forensic Chemistry – Involves the chemical analysis of forensic evidence to identify controlled substances using analytical instrumentation.
Firearm and Tool Mark Examination – Involves the examination and testing of firearms, the comparison of fired cartridge components, serial number restoration, tool mark examinations, distance determination and shoe and tire examination.
Latent Print Examination – Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latent prints recovered from crime scenes.
Performs related duties as directed.
Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence.
Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis.Provides technical direction and guidance to assigned personnel in the development, execution, and maintenance of the standards and policies of laboratory programs, ANAB accreditation, quality assurance, proficiency testing, courtroom testimony monitoring, auditing, and safety to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, generally accepted scientific practices and regulatory standards in a specified unit of assignment to include but not limited to: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination and/or shoe and tire examination.
In the absence of a Unit Manager, may prioritize and assign responsibilities and duties to unit personnel in various types of analysis, according to the specialized unit of assignment.
Provides training to unit personnel in techniques, procedures, methodologies, and unit policies and standards.
Reviews work performed by personnel to verify adherence to unit procedures and regulatory standards.
Solves technical problems of existing analytical methods; validates new analytical procedures.
Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas including but not limited to the following: DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearms and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned, i.e., DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, latent print examination, firearm and tool mark examination, and/or shoe and tire examination.
Isolates, collects, and analyzes materials and evidence derived from both natural and synthetic sources at macroscopic and microscopic levels as applicable.
Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
Oversees and/or performs validations, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include calibration and sterilization procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in proficiency examinations.
Analyzes reports prepared and submitted by unit personnel for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness and substantiation of action(s) taken.
Defends the operational policies of their unit in State and Federal court systems.
May act in the Unit Manager's absence as directed.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Depending on functional area of assignment duties and responsibilities may include:
Forensic Biology/DNA – Involves the examination of forensic evidence for the indication or presence of biological materials including blood and semen. DNA analysis involves the extraction, quantitation, analysis and interpretation of forensic DNA samples isolated from materials listed herein.
Controlled Substances/Forensic Chemistry – Involves the chemical analysis of forensic evidence to identify controlled substances using analytical instrumentation.
Firearm and Tool Mark Examination – Involves the examination and testing of firearms, the comparison of fired cartridge components, serial number restoration, tool mark examinations, distance determination and shoe and tire examination.
Latent Print Examination – Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latent prints recovered from crime scenes.
Performs related duties as directed.
Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 25 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks are performed in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence.
Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.
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Salary : $83,811 - $136,519
