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CLASS CONCEPT/FUNCTION

This class is the second supervisory class in the Forensic Scientist Series. Positions are responsible for managing a statewide laboratory section in the Bureau of Forensic Science and for serving as the state’s authority in one or more forensic specialties. Laboratory sections include, but are not limited to, Drug Analysis, Serology, Trace Evidence, Questioned Documents, Latent Prints and Firearms/Toolmarks. Positions in this class are responsible for managing all activities of the section to include implementing technical methodologies; developing and implementing section objectives, policies, procedures and practices; coordinating section training activities; and recommending the allocation of staff and resources. This class is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist Supervisor class by the responsibility for the management of a forensic specialty of sufficient significance to be characterized by statewide scope and work of sufficient complexity and magnitude to normally require the use of subordinate supervisors.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty involving the management and coordination of a statewide forensic function. The work typically involves establishing the protocols to be followed by the section; developing, implementing and interpreting section objectives, policies and procedures; coordinating and monitoring section proficiency testing and training activities; managing section safety and quality assurance activities; recommending the allocation of staff and resources; serving as the State’s authority in one or more forensic specialty areas; communicating with lawyers, law enforcement officials, forensic pathologists and the general public regarding the activities of the section; supervising and evaluating employees, developing employee performance standards and objectives, and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions; conducting complex examinations of legal evidence, preparing and reviewing detailed reports concerning examination results, and providing expert testimony in court regarding the evaluation and interpretation of evidential material. May provide on-site investigative support and instruction to law enforcement personnel in the collection and handling of physical evidence. Positions must maintain the chain of custody and protect the integrity of the evidence.

Supervision Given: Supervises Forensic Scientist Supervisors, Forensic Scientists Senior, Forensic Scientists, Forensic Scientist Trainees and other support personnel assigned to the section.

Supervision Received: Administrative direction is received from a Consolidated Laboratory Assistant Director. Positions are expected to manage all section activities with minimal supervision.

Scope: Work influences all aspects of statewide forensics section and affects the accuracy and reliability of services provided by that section.

Impact of Actions: Decisions made and reviews exercised affect the accuracy and adequacy of services provided by the section to law enforcement agencies, commonwealth attorneys, judges, forensic pathologists and the general public. High quality output ensures successful prosecution of criminals, acquittals, and satisfactory completion of forensic examinations and criminal investigations.

Personal Contacts: Positions have routine internal and external contact with law enforcement officers to receive evidence, to explain evidence gathering methods and the results of examinations; commonwealth attorneys and lawyers to explain the results and implications of examinations and prepare for court testimony; judges and juries during court testimony; forensic pathologists regarding the examination of evidence; federal, state, and local agencies to provide and receive assistance in technical matters; and scientific equipment and supply vendors to procure equipment and supplies.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the forensic principles, practices, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine and analyze items of evidence related to their specific discipline; court procedures; rules of evidence; criminal law; applicable techniques of criminal investigation; and the principles and practices of management and supervision.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to train and supervise the work of others; independently perform a variety of complex analyses in the specialty area and accurately record observations; write and present court testimony in an articulate and professional manner; and work effectively with law enforcement officials, lawyers, judges, other investigative agencies and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in a natural or physical science, forensic science or a related area. Course work must include or be related to the specialty area.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive experience as a Forensic Scientist in the area of specialization and qualification as an expert witness and considerable supervisory experience.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised by the Department of General Services and edited and validated by a Classification Review/Specification Update team, effective December 1, 1989.