City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Forensic Quality Assurance Manager

Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for oversight and management of quality assurance, records management, and safety programs to promote internal compliance and commitment to valid and reliable forensic services

1. Ensures ongoing accreditation to meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, forensic testing requirements, and state statutes.
2. Manages assigned programs and establishes goals and objectives to achieve conformance through continuous improvement.
3. Reviews, recommends, and revises policies and procedures to assure compliance with applicable requirements.
4. Coordinates program activities, evaluates key performance areas, and facilitates the implementation of best practices.
5. Acts as liaison between the Department and external bodies on matters related to accreditation and other regulatory requirements as well as information requests.
6. Manages the internal audit and external assessment processes required by the Department’s accrediting body and Texas Forensic Science Commission.
7. Evaluates laboratory programs and makes recommendations regarding analytical procedures, equipment, software, and records management
8. Monitors the outcomes of audits, corrective actions, proficiency testing, and testimony for trends and implements preventive actions for mitigating organizational risk
9. Oversees the management of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and system-wide software solutions.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal statutes.
• Knowledge of applicable accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal law and criminal court proceedings and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge and understanding of department rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Texas State law and City of Austin requirements applicable to records and information management (including the Texas Local Government Code, Title 6, Subtitle C, Chapters 201-205 and City of Austin Ordinance 2-11) and the Texas Public Information Act (including Texas Government Code Section 552).
• Skill in principles, generally accepted practices, and technical procedures in forensic testing.
• Skill in quality assurance and quality control analysis and procedures.
• Skill in supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating complex projects in a changing industry.
• Skill in prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Ability to interpret Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing safety in the workplace.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions/changes in priorities.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with government and regulatory agencies, boards and commissions, City employees and the public.
• Ability to use available hardware/software for data collection, analysis, and presentation preparation.
• Ability to analyze issues and solve problems.
• Ability to train and monitor the performance of personnel.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in management, natural science, or a field related to the job, plus five (5) years experience in forensic science, crime scene activities, laboratory analysis, quality assurance, three (3) of which were in a supervisory capacity.

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.