Forensic Services Administrator - Dallas Police (Civil Service)

City of Dallas; United States; On-site; USD 81,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Dallas is seeking a Forensic Services Administrator to lead the Crime Scene Response Section (CSRS) of the Police Department. You will manage complex operations, ensure accreditation compliance, and coordinate budgeting, staffing, and process improvements.

The role requires advanced forensic science knowledge, strong leadership, grant experience, and ability to liaise with local, state, and federal partners.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of management and operations of an accredited forensic lab.
• In depth knowledge of forensic sciences.
• In depth knowledge of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Criminalistics/Forensic Science.
• Knowledge of and ability to write proposals for and manage large forensic grants of $2,000,000 and greater.
• Knowledge of handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in an ASCLD/LAB accredited laboratory.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develops, establishes, and implements procedures, policies, and protocols for accreditation compliance.
• Oversees, develops, and evaluates budgets; determines budget needs and ensures funds.
• Sets goals, plans schedules, and directs performance evaluation.
• Plans professional development programs and training opportunities.
• Prepares grant documents; tracks funding and documentation.
• Researches and implements new technologies to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Represents the Police Department on forensic science issues at legislature and other bodies.
• Liaises with agencies on procurement, safety, and laboratory records.
• Reviews staff work for compliance with SOPs, OSHA, and AFIS requirements.
• Monitors subordinates' performance and ensures safety standards.

Skills

Forensic lab mgmt

Grant writing

Communication

Supervisory exp

ASCLD/LAB exp

Confidential info handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or Natural Sciences

Job description

Dallas is Growing. Grow With Us. Looking for more than just a job? The City of Dallas offers careers with purpose. With competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture, we’re committed to helping you thrive while you help our city flourish. Be part of a team that’s committed to service, innovation, and community.

Job Summary

Performs highly advanced and complex management responsibilities for the planning, development, management and administration of the Crime Scene Response Section (CSRS) of the Police Department.

Job Description Overview

The Forensic Services Administrator performs highly advanced and complex management, oversight, and coordination in the planning, development, management, and administration of the Crime Scene Response Section (CSRS) of the Police Department.

Essential Functions

• Develops, establishes, and implements procedures, policies, and protocols to ensure compliance with national crime laboratory accreditation regulations and standards; ensures forensics activities and lab operations are performed in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversees, develops, and evaluates the preparation of short and long-range budgets; determines budget needs, makes budget requests, and ensures all necessary funds are available for activities and operations.
• Establishes short-, mid- and long-term goals and objectives; develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals and directs performance evaluation activities.
• Plans and maintains a professional development program for employees; provides training and educational enrichment opportunities to ensure all work is done to the highest of standards and in compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Prepares applications and documentation for grant funds; completes and submits applications, tracks grant funding, and monitors all fund documentation.
• Researches and implements new technologies to increase efficiency, improve operations, and facilitate accuracy and transparency.
• Represents the Police Department on forensic science issues at the legislature and other organizations.
• Serves as a liaison between the Police Department and other agencies regarding scientific matters, equipment and supply procurement, laboratory safety, preparation and maintenance of laboratory records or procedures, and reference files.
• Reviews, evaluates, and checks the work product of Forensic staff to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Office of Environmental Quality regulations and guidelines, and State laws concerning admissibility of evidence and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) requirements.
• Evaluates, monitors, and checks subordinates’ work performance in the laboratory or in the field.
• Inspects, monitors, evaluates equipment, information, and work-related conditions to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards, regulations, and guidelines including manufacturer’s specifications on scientific equipment and national crime laboratory accreditation standards.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of management and operations of an accredited forensic lab.
• In depth knowledge of forensic sciences.
• In depth knowledge of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Criminalistics/Forensic Science.
• Knowledge of and ability to write proposals for and manage large forensic grants of $2,000,000 and greater.
• Knowledge of handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in an ASCLD/LAB accredited laboratory.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or Natural Sciences, or a related discipline within these fields.

Experience: Nine (9) years of experience as a criminalist in a recognized criminal/crime scene laboratory actively engaged in forensic sciences.

And Five (5) years of supervisory/management experience in a crime laboratory/crime scene unit (This experience may be included in the required experience listed above).

Equivalency (ies)

Associate degree (or higher) in any field plus eleven (11) years of the required work experience including five (5) years of the stated supervisory/management experience in a crime laboratory/crime scene unit will meet the education and experience requirement.

Master's degree in a required field plus seven (7) years of the required work experience including five (5) years of the stated supervisory/management experience in a crime laboratory/crime scene unit will meet the education and experience requirement.

License(s) and/or Certification(s)

Valid driver's license with good driving record.

A current license or certification from a professional organization (IAI / TFSC / AFTE) is preferred.

Other Requirement(s)

Must pass intensive background check required (No Felony or Class A Misdemeanor convictions).

Salary Range

$81,120.00 - $101,400.00

Salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

Equity and Equal Opportunity

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About City of Dallas

The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community.