Forensic Specialist Supervisor

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake Police Department seeks a Forensic Specialist Supervisor to lead a team responsible for evidence handling, procedures, and investigations in Chesapeake, VA. This role directs operations, maintains QA/QC, and ensures legal compliance in forensics.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in forensic science (or related field) and at least five years' experience, with a valid driver’s license. Expect occasional long hours and emergency deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science or closely related field.
• Minimum five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
• Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Supervises forensic staff including selection, training, scheduling, work assignments, performance evaluation, counseling, discipline, and termination recommendations.
• Directs forensic operations and establishes priorities for collection, preservation, processing, documentation, and storage of physical evidence; provides advanced technical guidance at crime scenes and related locations.
• Researches laws, regulations, procedures, and emerging technologies and recommends improvements to forensic policies, methodologies, and practices.
• Develops and maintains operational policies, standard operating procedures, quality assurance protocols, and training programs to ensure compliance with legal requirements and industry standards; coordinates professional development and technical training for forensic personnel and sworn forensic technicians.
• Oversees quality assurance and quality control, including review of reports, case files, photographs, evidence submissions, and related documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards.
• Manages forensic equipment and supply inventory, procurement, budget recommendations, expenditures, and long-range operational planning.
• Oversees the administration and integrity of forensic information systems and databases, including the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network ( NIBIN ), ensuring data quality and compliance with established protocols.
• Responds to complex or high-profile crime scenes to provide supervisory oversight, technical assistance, and quality assurance; collects evidence as needed.
• Testifies in court regarding forensic procedures, evidence collection methods, and case-related findings.
• Participates in case and staff meetings and coordinates or attends training, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities; performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Forensic science

Evidence handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science

Tools

NIBIN

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please note: If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to complete a multi-page personal history statement (PHS).
Please note: If you are the selected candidate, you will undergo a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, polygraph examination and drug and alcohol screening.
Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Forensic Specialist Supervisor

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department POLICE

Division

Division POLICE SUPPORT

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026419

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday- Friday; 8am-5pm
Schedule subject to change based on operational need;

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA {304 Albermarle Drive}

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE15

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$68,040 – $90,153 / annually
Actual starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Are you ready to take the next step in your forensic career? Join the City of Chesapeake Police Department as a Forensic Specialist Supervisor and lead a team whose work is critical to investigations and the pursuit of justice.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervises forensic staff, including selection, training, scheduling, work assignments, performance evaluation, counseling, discipline, and termination recommendations.
• Directs forensic operations and establishes priorities for the efficient and timely collection, preservation, processing, documentation, and storage of physical evidence; provides advanced technical guidance at crime scenes and related locations.
• Researches laws, regulations, procedures, and emerging technologies and recommends improvements to forensic policies, methodologies, and practices.
• Develops and maintains operational policies, standard operating procedures, quality assurance protocols, and training programs to ensure compliance with legal requirements and industry standards; coordinates professional development and technical training for forensic personnel and sworn forensic technicians.
• Oversees quality assurance and quality control, including review of reports, case files, photographs, evidence submissions, and related documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards.
• Manages forensic equipment and supply inventory, procurement, budget recommendations, expenditures, and long-range operational planning.
• Oversees the administration and integrity of forensic information systems and databases, including the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network ( NIBIN ), ensuring data quality and compliance with established protocols.
• Responds to complex or high-profile crime scenes to provide supervisory oversight, technical assistance, and quality assurance; collects evidence as needed.
• Testifies in court regarding forensic procedures, evidence collection methods, and case-related findings.
• Participates in case and staff meetings and coordinates or attends training, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities; performs other related duties as assigned.

Consider making your next career move with the City of Chesapeake Police Department!
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse ourBenefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

Vocational/Educational Requirement: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a closely related field.
Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
Special Certifications and Licenses: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards . Special skills or equipment certification may be required.
Special Requirement(s): Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFYING FACTORS :
Disqualification factors from the date of the application include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to any felony.
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to a misdemeanor involving acts of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, and stealing).
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to a misdemeanor sex offense.
• Convicted of, plead guilty to, or no contest to domestic assault.
• Conviction of possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of illegal drugs, excluding possession of marijuana or any cannabis derivative.
• Use of Cocaine, LSD , PCP , or any type of hallucinogenic drug in the last five years.
• Dishonorable discharge, Bad conduct/Misconduct discharge, and Other than Honorable discharges from military service. General and Uncharacterized discharges from military service will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Untruthfulness or the withholding of pertinent information during any phase of the application process (e.g. application, interview, paperwork).
• Cheating on any examination or testing associated with the process.

• Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures dealing with the proper collection, preservation and storage of all criminal evidence. Criminal law with particular reference to criminal evidence, and chain of custody

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/25/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/04/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note: If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to complete a multi-page personal history statement (PHS).
Please note: If you are the selected candidate, you will undergo a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, polygraph examination and drug and alcohol screening.
Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license ( CDL ) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands H=Heavy - Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 25-50 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs constantly.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Handling Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Crawling

Crawling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Bending

Bending Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing

Balancing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards D = Daily

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases W = Several Times Per Week

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust W = Several Times Per Week

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures W = Several Times Per Week

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration W = Several Times Per Week

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors W = Several Times Per Week

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity W = Several Times Per Week

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting W = Several Times Per Week

Primary Work Location

Primary Work Location Office Environment, Vehicle, Outdoors

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

N/A

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review position requirements for details.
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you read the automatic disqualifying factors and do you qualify for this position?
  • Yes
  • No