City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Forensic Technical Leader - Crime Scene

Under minimal direction, this position oversees and maintains the quality assurance system for the Crime Scene Section. This position provides scientifically defensible technical guidance to the section, is proficient in and performs all duties required of crime scene investigation, and conducts chemical and physical analysis in accordance with current best practices. 

1. Oversees all technical operations and maintains and updates the Crime Scene Section Quality Control Documents.
2. Evaluates and coordinates training for all new employees, including recommending employees for supervised or independent casework.
3. Coordinates, evaluates, and constructs annual proficiency testing and provides courtroom evaluations of section employees.
4. Documents and resolves quality assurance issues according to accreditation guidelines.
5. Suspends testing in discipline until resolution of a technical problem that may affect the outcome of testing.
6. Oversees and accepts the validation of new instrumentation and methods.
7. Maintains supplies, equipment, and conducts and records quarterly performance verification.
8. Writes, drafts, and completes supplemental reports providing documentation of analysis, and conducts administrative and technical reviews of the Crime Scene Section analysis reports.
9. Testifies as an expert witness in court.
10. Responds to crime scenes to identify, document, collect, preserve, process scene and evidence in addition to maintaining on call responsibilities.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge of the principles of crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and latent print development.
• Knowledge of ethics; City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, ordinances; and criminal law.
• Knowledge of forensic method validation best practices.
• Knowledge of criminal court proceedings.
• Knowledge of forensic accreditation standards such as ISO 17025:2017 and AR3125, Texas Forensic Science Commission, and current best practices.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of hardware and software of Forensic Lab Information Management Systems.
• Skill in establishing and improving practices, policies, procedures; and safety and training manuals.
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment.
• Skill in research, data analysis, technical writing, technical trouble shooting, and problem solving.
• Skill in presenting findings in a court of law and serving as an expert witness.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to effectively develop, review, and critique validation test plans, reports, experimental data, and procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to laypersons and customers.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment and collaborate well with others.
• Ability to be precise and meticulous with time sensitive processes.
• Ability to stay abreast of changing laws, policies, and discipline-specific trends.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Criminal Justice, Science, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in crime scene investigations including sequential latent print processing techniques in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

• Valid Class C Driver License.
• Must obtain eligible Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C) within twelve (12) months of hire.
• International Association for Identification Crime Scene Certification within twelve (12) months of hire.