Forensic Scientist Manager

Maricopa County•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$93,500 - $133,500

About The Position

Elevate safety in Maricopa County through your exceptional leadership in forensic science! Lead a dedicated team of forensic scientists in our state-of-the-art lab. Leverage their expertise to deliver critical evidence, helping detectives solve crimes and secure convictions. Champion justice for victims through timely, accurate analysis. The Forensic Scientist Manager oversees all aspects of the department's crime lab functions including general and specialized supervision of assigned staff. This position is responsible for performing technical duties in criminal identification work related to the collection, preservation, and identification of physical evidence, both visible and latent, in a variety of laboratory work areas including photography and friction ridge analysis. This Manager develops and maintains efficient procedures and operations pertaining to crime lab functions. Inspire and mentor a dynamic team of exceptional Forensic Scientists, join us today! About the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: Do you possess integrity, strong interpersonal skills, and do you have a desire to serve your community? We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian, Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizona's leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science (Criminalistics), or closely related field in a natural science or criminal justice.
Eight years of experience in the forensic science field which includes five (5) years of supervisory and/or management experience.
OR Combined education and experience qualifications Other combinations of education or experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year for year basis.
Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) certification
JMS (Jail Management System) / JWI (Justice Wed Interface) training
TOC certification
IAI (International Association for Identification) certification in at least one forensic discipline.
Training that may be provided on-the-job: FEMA NIMS – IS100 and 700; Safety; Payroll; PREA.
Prior to hiring, the Sheriff's Office requires that all candidates pass an extensive background review, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Nice To Haves

Management experience in ANAB or A2LA accredited forensic laboratory.
Knowledge and/or experience as a quality manager.

Responsibilities

Supervises and schedules civilian staff assigned to the crime lab, directs and implements the day-to-day assignment of lab service requests, and ensures the timely completion of assigned job duties.
Assigns and directs staff to ensure completion of processing resulting from major crime scene investigations and analyzes current and future crime lab needs.
Directs the inventory of all crime lab supplies to ensure all necessary tools and supplies are available for accurate completion of assignments.
Assists in preparing and managing budget expenditures, and develops and recommends operational improvements, modernizations, and procedures to keep pace with anticipated needs.
Ensures compliance with court orders; remains current on department rules, regulations and policies as well as laws and codes pertaining to the seizure, security, and processing of property and evidence to maintain overall compliance.
Manages subordinate supervisory and administrative staff, coaches/counsels, recommends disciplinary action, and implements performance evaluations.
Develops laboratory policies and procedures, new laboratory techniques and methods, short-term and long-term objectives, and other plans including recommendations for the Scientific Analysis Division budget.
Plans and participates in the training of staff and ensures a high level of professionalism and skill is maintained for readiness to testify in court as needed.
Communicates with the general public, other county employees, management, public officials, sworn personnel, attorneys, officers of the court, and vendors.
Oversees the division regarding quality assurance and communicates issues.
Liaises with other experts in the field to exchange information on forensic methodologies and standards.
Instructs and trains others in a classroom setting or on the job.
Reviews the work product of others to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS) procedures, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Arizona Department of Public Safety, and state laws.
Inspects, monitors, and evaluates equipment, objects, information, and work-related conditions to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards, regulations, and guidelines, including manufacturer's specifications on computerized scientific equipment and national crime laboratory accreditation standards.
Attends court hearings to provide expert testimony.
Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Arizona Driver's License to respond to crime scenes, attend meetings, and provide court testimony.
Resolves procedural, operational, and other work-related problems by communicating with subordinates, department and County personnel, other experts in the field, and outside agencies.
Monitors research projects associated with scientific examinations.
Comprehends and infers from material including laboratory reports, scientific journals/literature, and testimony transcripts to maintain current expertise in the scientific field and provide the most effective examination of evidence and court testimony.
Prepares written documents including memos, letters, performance evaluations, procedures, grant applications, and accreditation standards with clearly organized thoughts using scientific symbols, proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.
Manages overall planning and oversight of department administrative functions.
Assists in processing and investigating crime scenes as needed to record, document, and collect physical evidence including latent print, biological and trace evidence.
Performs additional projects as assigned.