FORENSIC SCIENTIST SUPERVISOR (Firearms and Tool Mark Supervisor)

Pay Schedule XII, Grade 8M, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Police Department, Division of Forensic Services. 
 
A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s) and/or certification(s)/license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Education and/or Certification(s)/License(s) will result in your application not being considered. Proof of education, certification(s) and/or license(s) must be submitted with each application.

Under minimal supervision, supervises the handling, analysis, reporting of analysis and/or the quality assurance of evidence as part of police and fire investigations in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department.

• Establishes and enforces procedures for the accountability and integrity of evidence and case records in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Develops and maintains unit specific manuals.
• Ensures proper training of employees.
• Establishes and enforces procedures for the analyses performed and results reported, and quality assurance thereof in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Supports the objectives of the Forensic Services Section regarding budget, human resources and productivity by monitoring progress and preparing associated documentation for one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Monitors attendance and workflow to optimize the efficiency of work performed in one or more of the units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Maintains communication and networks outside of the Forensic Services Section in order to further the mission of the Section.
• Participates in professional forums, communicates with peers and customers in a professional manner.
• Cultivates a positive working environment by incorporating teamwork and wellness strategies for one or more units within the Forensic Services Section.

Examples of other Duties

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Supervises the development of unit specific training programs and coordinates the professional development of Forensic Services unit staff.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises employees in one or more units within the division. Assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of professional and support staff. 

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this classification. They may not include all the essential duties of each position in the classification. Each position in this classification may not be required to perform all of the essential duties listed.)Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, medical technology, pharmaceutical science, or a related field (physical, natural, or forensic science).

OR

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, law enforcement, digital forensics, cyber security, high technology crime or a related field. 

PLUS

Six years’ experience in the comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence, including providing testimony as an expert forensics witness in moot or criminal court.  

(Possession of a Master’s degree in chemistry, biology or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Possession of a Doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, or related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.)

**In accordance with accreditation requirements

**May require additional casework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas:  biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and, if after July 1, 2020, shall have successfully completed coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics; plus six years’ experience, which must include three years’ of human DNA experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples.

**May substitute an Associate’s degree in digital forensics, cyber security, or high technology crime or a related field; plus certification by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or equivalent; plus ten years’ experience performing analysis of digital forensic evidence, including testifying in a criminal court as an expert witness, may be substituted for the educational requirement for some positions.

**May require successful completion of professional level training (ANAB technical assessor training or equivalent) in quality assurance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Thorough knowledge of scientific principles and the rules of admissibility of evidence and chain of custody.
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a forensic laboratory.
• Thorough, discipline specific, technical knowledge of analytical and comparative methods and techniques for forensic sciences concerning identification, collection, analysis and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Thorough knowledge of ethical and quality assurance standards for forensic testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of criminal investigative procedures and the criminal justice system concerning the application of forensic science, including testifying.
• Knowledge of discipline specific regulations and resources.
• Knowledge of the organization and structure of law enforcement agencies and court systems.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Skill in supervising professional and support staff.
• Skill in handling physical evidence and applying correct methods and techniques for identification, collection and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data and drawing accurate conclusions in accordance with approved procedures.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records, preparing and presenting detailed documentation of analysis and results of analysis.
• Skill in preparing and conducting discipline specific technical training.
• Skill in risk management concerning integrity and ethics as they pertain to the application of forensic science.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide expert or other testimony in court.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to legally access appropriate State and Federal databases.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend changes in procedures, methods, and policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and legal system personnel.
• Ability to apply principles and practices of supervision and personnel management.
• Ability to apply principles and practices of budget and procurement.
• Ability to determine goals and objectives and work to accomplish them.
  

In addition to new employee training provided by Baltimore County, employees will be provided information and or training specific to the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department, including but not limited to the following: ethics, safety, quality assurance and laboratory management information system.  As applicable, prior to performing casework, the employee will be provided a documented training program to ensure they have the opportunity to gain the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform their assigned task(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Ability to provide expert or other testimony in court.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to legally access appropriate State and Federal databases.
• Ability to apply discipline specific technical knowledge of handling physical evidence and applying correct methods and techniques for identification, collection and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Ability to apply methods of analysis, analyze test data and draw accurate conclusions in accordance with approved procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare and present detailed documentation of analysis and results of analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and legal system personnel.

Character Requirements
All applicants must be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined by a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, and drug test. Employees are subject to periodic drug testing.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver’s license, equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Digital:  Certification through the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) is required at the time of appointment.

Chemistry:  Certification from the Maryland Department of Health is required to analyze controlled dangerous substances.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Forensic Scientist Supervisor (Firearms and Tool Mark Supervisor)
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) and/or certification(s)/license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

On appointment to this classification, an employee must provide a DNA sample to be maintained for quality assurance purposes by way of buccal swab of the inside of the employee’s mouth or current standardized collection procedure to be performed by qualified police department personnel.  Provision of the DNA sample is a condition of employment and shall only be used for law enforcement purposes as a forensic laboratory or for purposes of human remains identification and request, but only to the extent that the genetic information is used for analysis of DNA identification markers for quality control to detect sample contamination.  It shall be maintained and disclosed only in a manner consistent with law, separate from the employee’s personnel file as a confidential medical record, and will not be used for any other purpose.  See 75 Fed. Reg. 68912, 68936 (November 9, 2010), 42 U.S.C. 2000ff-1(b)(6), 29 CFR 1635.8(b)(6), as amended.  Provision of the DNA sample is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the police department. Failure to provide the DNA sample would prevent performance of an essential job function. Employees in this classification may be assigned to a work shift which includes nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies and may be required to work overtime as needed. 

For all discipline specific: Other licenses and certifications may be required within a year of appointment and must be maintained thereafter to retain employment.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification frequently requires walking and standing, lifting, carrying, or dragging equipment and evidence of various sizes and shapes, traveling between work sites, and exposure to adverse weather conditions, toxic chemicals, bio-medical hazards, such as blood and other body fluids, and other hazardous conditions.  Some situations will require climbing ladders, working at heights, or accessing confined spaces. 

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.