Topic: San Mateo County Job Bulletin

[Scott Doyle]

SUPERVISING CRIMINALIST - FIREARMS (OPEN)

           
$7,341 - $9,176 /Month
 
Important: All application materials must be received in the Human Resources Department, 455 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, by 7:00 p.m. on the final filing date or postmarked by the US Postal Service by midnight on the final filing date.

FINAL DATE FOR FILING: February 14, 2008.

THE POSITION

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory located in San Mateo, California, which was newly constructed in March, 2003 and accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board in September, 2005 has one immediate vacancy for a Supervising Criminalist in the Firearms Unit. 

The successful candidate for the position must have knowledge of general criminalistics and be responsible for ensuring proper quality assurance and quality control measures relevant to firearms. This includes documentation, instrument calibration and maintenance logs; reviewing relevant casework; maintaining the NIBIN Database; continuous evaluation of methods employed including an annual review of Standard Operating Procedures and proposing new and/or modified analytical procedures to be used by the analysts. In addition, the Firearms Supervisor is required to perform routine and more difficult firearms case assignments, both in the laboratory and in the field.  The ideal candidate will be an experienced firearms examiner dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the industry as well as sound technical advisor and trainer who fosters teamwork and cooperation. Applicants who are active participants in the Association of Firearms and Toolmarks Examiners (AFTE) and who have pursued, or are in the process of pursuing, AFTE certification as a firearms examiner are strongly desired. A typical way to qualify is a minimum of a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Criminalistics, or related science and four years of experience in a forensic laboratory. Crime scene processing experience is greatly desired.

NOTE: A 2.5% pay differential is also given for IAI Crime Scene Certification and another 5.0% for ABC or AFTE Certification.

Examples Of Duties: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following; supervise, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel; submit budget requirements for equipment and supplies; cooperate with staff of other counties or cities in request for assistance in forensic science matters; perform the more difficult analysis and examinations; prepare evidence for presentation at court and appear as an expert witness to testify on the results of laboratory analysis; and perform related duties as assigned.
     
QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities and meet the ideal candidate profile as listed above is qualifying.

Knowledge of: Current forensic methods and techniques used in the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence likely to be used in a court case; various types of equipment found in a forensic laboratory; recent developments, literature and sources of information relative to criminalistics; principles of supervision and training; and principles and methods of supervision, organization, and staffing applicable to a forensic laboratory.

Skill/Ability to: Supervise, direct, coordinate and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel; exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with law enforcement officials, staff and the public; perform complex physical and chemical tests used in the analysis of physical evidence; testify in court about analysis results; exercise initiative in recognizing and resolving problems; communicate verbally; and write clear, concise reports and correspondence.

Other Requirements: May be required to participate in the laboratory's on-call crime scene rotation schedule. Pass a detailed background investigation and pre-employment medical examination prior to appointment.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.  Click on the 'Apply' button above or go to www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/hr/jobs.

Anyone may apply. A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application. The examination process will consist of a panel interview (weight 100%). Depending on the number of applications received, a screening committee may select those candidates whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. Because of this process, not all applicants are guaranteed advancement through the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

Final filing date: February 14, 2008
Application Screening (optional): February 20, 2008
Panel Interview (tentative): Week of March 3, 2008