City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Forensic Science Director

Under minimal direction, directs forensics services for the City of Austin, including crime scene response, multidisciplinary forensic laboratory analysis, evidence control, quality management, and forensic support services.

1. Provides oversight and direction to the operation and maintenance of the City’s forensic science services.
2. Establishes departmental rules and regulations.
3. Oversees and prepares the department annual operating budget for submission to the City Manager.
4. Acts as official departmental representative to City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, professional organizations, the media, the public, and outside agencies.
5. Plans, organizes, directs, audits, and controls forensic operations to align with the City’s strategic direction, stakeholder requirements, and departmental goals.
6. Analyzes business and workforce needs to develop and direct targeted short-and long-range strategies and associated operational plans to meet performance goals and metrics.
7. Ensures compliance with national accreditation requirements and discipline standards.
8. Monitors external legal precedents effecting the operation of the department.
9. Solicits, monitors and responds to federal, state, and local department-eligible grant opportunities.
10. Acts as liaison between the City and other agencies regarding scientific matters, equipment, case processing, supply procurement, laboratory safety, quality management, and preparation and maintenance of forensic records.

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

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, local laws, and City ordinances and regulations.
• Knowledge of American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD/LAB) Accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of applicable scientific technical working group and professional organization requirements.
• Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, physiology, and crime scene procedures as they relate to forensic science
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes and case law covering drugs, the use of physical evidence in court, the rules of criminal procedures concerning time limits, discovery, evidence, and expert witnesses.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports, and studies.
• Skill in directing the activities of a large and complex organization.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City Manager and staff, Mayor and City Council, other department heads, media, commissions, city employees, and the public.

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in natural science with coursework in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, or statistics, plus seven (7) years of related work experience in a multi-disciplinary laboratory, including four (4) years of experience which is supervisory or managerial experience associated with budget programs or programs associated with operational services of a forensic laboratory.
• Experience must include leading one (1) or more forensic disciplines recognized by ASLCD/LAB (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board) or other nationally recognized accrediting body.

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.