Topic: SUPERVISING CRIMINALIST- San Mateo Co.

[Scott Doyle]

SUPERVISING CRIMINALIST - $6,854 - $8,566 / MONTH

FINAL DATE FOR FILING: March 2, 2006

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 two immediate openings for a Supervising Criminalist.  These two vacancies are the result of a newly created position and the other is due to a recent promotion.
 
The successful candidates for the positions must have knowledge of general criminalistics and expertise analyzing physical evidence.  The ideal candidate will be dedicated to staying abreast of changes within the industry and have knowledge and experience in crime scene processing.

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:

Knowledge of:  Current forensic methods and techniques used in the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence; principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology; various types of equipment found in a laboratory of criminalistics including, but not limited to gas chromatograph, infrared spectrophotometer, and various microscopes; 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.

Education and Experience:  Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  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.

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 exam prior to appointment.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION:

Anyone may apply.  A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular standard County employment application. The examination process will consist of a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants a screening committee may select those applicants 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 exam process. All exams will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

Final Filing Date:  March 2, 2006
Application Screening:  March 13, 2006 
Civil Service Panel Interview:  March 30, 2006

Analyst: Michael Bolander