Senior Forensic Scientist

City of Albuquerque; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Albuquerque seeks a Senior Forensic Scientist to lead, oversee, and assign forensic caseloads; supervise staff responsible for examining, identifying, analyzing, evaluating and preserving evidence in criminal investigations.

Refer to the Crime Laboratory standards for Senior Forensic Scientist criteria. This role emphasizes training, quality control, and collaboration with investigators and legal personnel within the Scientific Evidence Division.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or related field with multiple years of discipline-specific forensic experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with required experience and applicable forensic certification may also be acceptable.
• Direct supervisory experience required (3 years) for certain tracks; essential for senior roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee and assign forensic caseloads to staff.
• Supervise examination, identification, analysis, evaluation and preservation of evidence.
• Provide training and continuing education to staff; supervise equipment and procedures.
• Prepare technical and statistical reports; present findings.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide testimony when required.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Forensic science knowledge

Leadership

Education

Master’s degree (forensic science or related)

Bachelor’s degree (forensic science or related)

Job description

Position Summary

Lead, oversee and assign forensic caseloads and other related work to assigned staff responsible for examining, identifying, analyzing, evaluating and preserving evidence in the investigations of crimes. Perform a variety of other technical tasks, relative to the assigned area(s) of responsibility; maintain communications within the Scientific Evidence Division (SED) on any issues; and participate in the more complex and difficult work required within the assigned area(s) of responsibility.

Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential And Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essentialfunctions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Mustbe able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without areasonable accommodation.

• Perform a variety of physical, chemical, biological, botanical, microscopic and/or instrumental examinations and/or enhancement techniques on materials and items suspected to contain or consist of evidence of crimes and/or known references.
• Oversee the assignment, supervision, planning and review of the work of assigned staff responsible for examining, identifying, analyzing, evaluating and preserving forensic evidence.
• Provide and/or coordinate training and continuing education of assigned staff.
• Select, motivate and evaluate assigned staff.
• Work with assigned staff to correct deficiencies, implement discipline and, if necessary, termination procedures.
• Plan, direct and participate in all of the forensic and laboratory work of assigned section(s).
• Oversee training of assigned employees in their areas of work including evidence collection and handling methods, procedures and techniques.
• Develop and provide training sessions to investigators, legal personnel and others, concerning forensic science, evidence handling and analytical procedures.
• Supervise the use, care and operation of a variety of forensic equipment, microscopes and analytical instruments.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Prepare and present a variety of technical and statistical, written and verbal reports.
• Conduct technical and/or administrative review of scientific analysis and reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of case information.
• Provide testimony as required.
• Evaluate, recommend, and as applicable, approve changes to laboratory policies and procedures for assigned section(s) and recommend new techniques and methods to management staff.
• Develop, manage and oversee grant funding programs.
• Oversee and assist in the development of specifications for the purchase of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Supervise the procurement of equipment and supplies.
• Manage equipment, instrument and other contracts for assigned section(s).
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• May be required to travel and receive training as assigned to maintain and enhance professional competency.
• Maintain professional interaction and communication with other forensic scientists, forensic units and organizations.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

When assigned to DNA and Chemistry

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus three (3) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and three (3) years direct supervisory experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus four (4) years of discipline specific forensic experience and applicable forensic certification (from the SED Director's Approved List), and (3) years direct supervisory experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field, plus five (5) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and (3) years direct supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

When Assigned To Latent Fingerprint And Firearm And Toolmark

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus three (3) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and three (3) years direct supervisory experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus four (4) years of discipline specific forensic experience and applicable forensic certification (from the SED Director's Approved List), and (3) years direct supervisory experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science, social science, business, public administration or a related field, plus five (5) years of discipline specific forensic experience, and (3) years direct supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain by date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. Refer to the Crime Laboratory chart of standards for specific criteria for Senior Forensic Scientist.

Working Conditions

Environmental

A variety of forensic, laboratory and crime scene environments; potential exposure to unpleasant odors, fumes, dust, contagious diseases, bodily fluids, explosive materials, loud noises, as well as irritant, carcinogenic, toxic or mutagenic chemicals; prolonged use of computers.

Physical

Essential and supplemental functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for personal mobility; may be required to move objects up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.