Forensic Science Supervisor

Position Description

Perform high level forensic science work, and, supervise shift and / or section work. Coordinating, scheduling, advising, directing, training, and evaluating staff assigned, and take responsibility for work production.

Salary

The anticipated salary range for this position is $49.69 - 54.30 / hour .

Work Location

This position is onsite only.

This opportunity is only open for current MPD employees

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and act as an information resource to forensic scientists in a section or on a shift regarding procedures, instrumentation, legal issues and quality assurance and provide supervision, evaluation, disciplinary action, employee coaching, and oversight of forensic activities in the field, and ensure compliance with standards.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and providing training for new employees and in evaluating and identifying individual employee training needs.
• Recommend training programs to improve crime scene investigation and processes used by Crime Lab personnel.
• Assist in developing / implementing forensic procedures and technologies.
• Perform research of new technologies, laboratory methods, and tests as needed.
• Ensure that appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed by employees under supervision through audits of work, and review of records.
• Coordinate shift or section staff to maintain section activities such as : quality assurance; training and development;

auditing section accreditation requirements; and management of programs / casework.

• Work with the lab supervisor and quality coordinator to assist in the investigation and resolution of quality assurance reviews, section level reviews, and yearly internal audits so quality assurance requirements are met and laboratory accreditation is maintained.
• Advise subordinates on how to resolve laboratory issues, determine the importance of submitted evidence items; how much time to spend on each item;

and what combination of methods and techniques to apply to each type of evidence.

• Act as the lead technical trainer for other scientists in the section or shift, and laboratory service users.
• Review records and reports and testify for an absent forensic scientist so court requirements are met.
• Coordinate section research and development so the section maintains procedures and methods that are innovative.
• Provide input regarding equipment and supply needs for the Crime Lab.
• Process evidence as required, analyzing evidence and preparing reports and testimony as to the findings.
• Provide "expert" court testimony in forensic science in subject areas which they are employed and / or certified.
• Coordinate staff and give guidance to co-workers with respect to casework in complex cases involving multiple items and / or different laboratory sections.
• Evaluate and coordinate casework between sections of the Laboratory and law enforcement. Work as a liaison between lab users and forensic scientists to determine the order and magnitude of examinations required in any given case.
• Independently prepare for and provide expert testimony in a court of law. Ability to testify in more complex, specialized court proceedings. .
• Perform training for the Minneapolis Police Department.
• Responsible for performing journey level forensic science work (i.e Forensic Scientist II level) as needed or required in the field and in the lab.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Crime Lab and Field Setting

Required Qualifications

MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor's Degree in a Physical Science, Criminal Justice or equivalent

MINUMUM EXPERIENCE :

Four years of experience as Forensic Scientist II

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS :

Valid Driver's License and Certified in at least one area of Forensic Science

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps : a rating of relevant education and experience and / or an oral examination (100%) .

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process.

A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title.

Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought.

Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis City Supervisors Association (CSU ) .

For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit our website.

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration.

This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list.

If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Completion of provided training in supervisory methods is required within first year of hire.
• Considerable knowledge of lab processes and procedures, quality assurance methods, and compliance standards.
• Good knowledge of supervisory responsibilities and methods.
• Good knowledge of and continuing education in crime scene processing and examination and processing techniques,
• Proficiency in latent print collection, examination, and identification.
• Knowledge of police and government operations, laws and regulations affecting government operations and police administration.
• Good knowledge of chemistry, microscopy, crime-scene processing and court proceedings.
• Qualified to testify in a court of law as an expert.
• Ability to work under pressure of deadlines and investigative restraints.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with computers and various software programs.
• Good managerial and people skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to keep abreast of the latest research in the forensics field.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees.

Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.