Lead Crime Scene Analyst

This requisition expires on December 11, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is filled prior to the expiration date.

Serves as the senior technical resource for the Crime Scene Unit, coordinating day-to-day casework and scene response, overseeing the unit’s training program, and performing technical and administrative review of casework to ensure accurate, reliable, and defensible results. Provides advice, guidance, training, and quality assurance support to unit personnel and assists with technical leader responsibilities under the unit’s accreditation program.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
 
DUTIES

• Coordinates scene response assignments when necessary; observes employee performance in the field, in casework, and in court, and provides feedback and input to the Forensics Manager. 
• Receives, prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies.
• Monitors and promotes compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Responds and leads employees on serious crime scenes.
• Provides training and guidance to unit employees; shares forensic expertise with staff; conducts training and information sharing with other agencies and outside groups.
• Oversees and administers the unit’s training program, including new-employee training, competency assessment, continuing education, and training records.
• Provides quality control assurance in crime scene and laboratory work.
• Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of the unit’s quality manual and accreditation requirements, and with technical leader responsibilities once the unit is accredited.
• Performs technical and administrative review of reports and casework prepared by unit personnel.
• Assists the Forensics Manager with administrative duties as assigned.
• Locates, documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.
• Reconstructs crime scenes by using available physical evidence to evaluate events and actions at the scene and their consistency with accounts and hypotheses through accepted forensic disciplines and scientific practices.
• Performs analytical examinations on physical evidence collected and forms conclusions and opinions supported by the evidence and within the scope of the analyst’s training and applicable procedures.
• Prepares reports and visual presentations of findings, investigative methods, techniques, and procedures. Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations. Prepares results to educate and inform Detectives, Prosecutors, Judges and Juries.
• Testifies as an expert witness in criminal and administrative proceedings.
• Maintains area specific certifications and attends regular training to maintain currency in area of expertise.

 SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES 

• None. 

OTHER DUTIES 
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or related field; and,
• Four years of experience in a law enforcement position that requires collection or testing of forensic evidence, including one year of lead or supervisory experience.
• OR                   
• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES 
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully: 

• Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies used in forensic science including scene processing, digital imaging/photography, latent print processing and enhancement, forensic chemistry and biology, scene reconstruction, and evidence management.
• Knowledge of criminal offenses, legal codes and criminal justice systems.
• Knowledge of laws of evidence, search and seizure, and court proceedings related to the presentation and management of evidence.
• Knowledge of principles of training, mentoring, and competency assessment.
• Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies of developing and maintaining technical quality assurance and control systems, including accreditation requirements.
• Skills to communicate effectively orally and in writing in formal and informal settings.
• Skills to use a variety of modern office and forensic laboratory technology, equipment, tools, software, and databases.
• Skills to identify, collect, and examine physical evidence using appropriate analytical techniques and methods.
• Ability to coordinate, organize, and audit the technical activities of a crime scene unit and to act in charge in the manager’s absence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external agency customers and personnel.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify best practice approaches to investigative processes.
• Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses, often in dangerous conditions.
• Ability to work in environments involving exposure to biohazards, bloodborne pathogens, and graphic or traumatic scenes.
• Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
• Must be able to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s mission to be a leader among cities in delivering outstanding quality services and products through citizen involvement, innovation and efficient use of resources.

 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.
• Must meet civilian hiring standards of the Denton Police Department and complete a Personal History Statement. 
• Must pass a polygraph and psychological examination.
• Must be able to view sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, as a regular part of the job.

SAFETY  

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.  
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership. 

 WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes. 
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; work with forensic workstations, write blockers, mobile extraction devices, audio/video recording and analysis equipment and operate motor vehicle; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. 
• Vision and Hearing: Prolonged viewing of computer screens and video displays; close visual and auditory attention required for video and audio examination.
• Lifting: Lifting no more than 50 pounds and carrying up to 20 pounds.  
• Environment: Works in an office setting and laboratory setting, and occasionally at crime scenes and other field locations, with possible exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, no/low light, confined spaces, odors, biohazards and bloodborne pathogens, and potentially hazardous conditions; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required. 
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. The regular work schedule is during business hours. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be able to work overtime, as needed. Must be able to respond to callouts. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings. Participates in the unit’s weekly on-call rotation.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; regularly views sensitive, graphic, and disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material, while maintaining professional composure. 

 CORE VALUES 

• Inclusion 
• Collaboration 
• Quality Service 
• Strategic Focus 
• Fiscal Responsibility 

TOP TIER BENEFITS 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans  
• Employee Health Clinic  
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan  

 EEO STATEMENT  
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.  
 
ADA/EOE/ADEA
 
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.