Manager - Forensics - Dallas Police (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

5d•$73,590 - $91,978

About The Position

The Manager - Forensics manages and oversees daily operations and personnel supporting the department’s Forensic Firearm and Latent Print activities or Crime Scene Investigation activities. The role includes risk management, fiscal and materials management, program evaluation, and technical and managerial support to departmental functional divisions. The position works under limited direction, with extensive latitude to use initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Natural Sciences, or a related discipline within these fields; qualifying education and experience equivalencies are specified in the posting.
Seven years of experience in crime scene investigation and/or analysis involving identification, collection, laboratory processing and preservation of evidence, interviewing, records management, documentation, and evaluation of forensic evidence.
Three years of supervisory/management or forensic oversight experience with a law enforcement crime scene unit or active crime laboratory.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Must not have felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions, Class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten years, or family violence convictions; must not currently be on deferred adjudication for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor.
Knowledge of forensic processes, techniques, and methods applicable to Forensic Science Division disciplines.
Knowledge of forensic method validation best practices, quality-assurance standards, and technical best practices.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances governing evidence control.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures, and applicable forensic accreditation and licensing standards.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles, fiscal planning, and budget preparation.
Ability to manage conflict and uncertainty while prioritizing multiple tasks, use computers and related software, research and analyze data, write reports, troubleshoot technical issues, and support problem solving.
Ability to develop, review, and critique validation test plans, validation reports, experimental or analytical data, and associated standard operating procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities, and to train and lead others effectively.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Current license or certification from a professional organization such as IAI, TFSC, or AFTE.

Responsibilities

Manage, support, supervise, and oversee forensic activities, including audits of facilities, equipment, and personnel, and ensure accurate, timely, and unbiased laboratory case reports and records.
Analyze performance and technical trends; determine and apply forensic and quality-assurance best practices; provide training and oversight to support their implementation.
Develop and implement short- and long-range plans, programs, and staffing to provide administrative, managerial, and technical support to the division; establish goals, objectives, and resource requirements.
Manage and supervise personnel, including hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, and performance appraisals.
Evaluate, revise, and implement standard operating practices, policies, and procedures, and ensure compliance with City requirements and applicable forensic standards.
Participate in budget development and implementation; manage expenditures, track revenues, and keep division operations within the appropriated budget.
Develop management techniques and maintain a quality-control program supporting compliance with best practices, accreditation, licensing, and legal requirements; monitor relevant external legal precedents.
Develop proficiency training and testing programs; schedule, monitor, and provide subordinate training; communicate and enforce applicable laws, standards, and forensic science guidelines.
Respond to crime scenes when necessary and assist with transporting evidence, equipment, and other forensic-related materials.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.