City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Forensic Supervisor - Firearm and Toolmark

Under general direction, this position supervises and coordinates the daily activities of personnel in support of the Forensic Science Firearms and Toolmark section.

1. Establishes, reviews, and interprets unit standard operating policies and procedures to ensure current best practices are in place, clearly documented, and communicated.
2. Supervises, and may perform, the evaluation and technical/administrative review of laboratory reports and work records/products prepared by the unit.
3. Oversees processing of all firearms and toolmark evidence, conducts firearm and toolmark examinations (e.g., comparative analysis, unique characteristics of a firearm, serial number restoration, distance determination, etc.,), and documents results in forensic reports.
4. Monitors caseload requests and capacity; and establishes staff goals and workflow prioritizations for optimal performance of the unit.
5. Responds to and coordinates shooting incidents with the lead detective and/or crime scene supervisor, utilizing best practice disciplines related to the collection, packaging, preservation, and documentation of firearm evidence.
6. Reviews and approves the education, training, and qualifications of analysts and provides oversight on the training, quality assurance, and proficiency testing programs.
7. Testifies as an expert witness in court.
8. Monitors and ensures the unit operates within appropriated budget.
9. Provides input regarding laboratory needs, long-range goals, plans, and resource management.
10. Initiates, suspends, and resumes analytical operations.
11. Reviews and approves the technical specifications of outsourcing agreements and internal/external audits.

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

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and application of firearms and toolmark identification and examinations.
• Knowledge of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, procedures, statues, ordinances, and laws governing criminal investigations.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in establishing and improving practices, policies, and procedures, including safety and training manuals specific to the firearms and toolmark discipline.
• Skill in supervising personnel, including skills to inspire, motivate, and influence others to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Skill in recognizing priorities, in planning, and in working toward what is important or critical to meet unit goals.
• Skill in making timely and sound decisions that solve issues and stand the test of time.
• Ability to obtain, interpret, and present results of examination and analyses.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, perform, and supervise unit initiatives such as method development and validation studies.
• Ability to recognize strengths and areas for improvement in unit employees and provide opportunities (e.g., training), guidance, and encouragement to build skills and capacity of unit staff.
• Ability to proactively, effectively, and regularly communicate status of unit activities and performance (validations, caseload statistics, turn-around-times, etc.,) with stakeholders.
• Ability to recognize, manage, and resolve conflicts efficiently and equitably.
• Ability to pass regular proficiency tests in firearms and toolmark disciplines in order to maintain accreditation standards.

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus five (5) years of experience in an accredited forensic science laboratory.

• Certification through AFTE (Firearms Evidence Examination and Identification).
• Valid Texas Class C driver license.
• Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add subchapter C), plus completion of all required Commission defined coursework for the discipline. License must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.