CHIEF-CRIME LABORATORY                                                                                                               2290

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class administers the operation of a full-service crime laboratory. The incumbent plans, organizes and coordinates the activities of all sections of the Crime Laboratory where scientific findings are used as evidence by a variety of legal agencies. Assignments provide considerable opportunity for the use of independent professional judgment in the development of programs designed to improve the quality and response time of service to user agencies. The incumbent confers directly with the Chief Medical Examiner on matters of departmental policy and scientific findings. Direction is received from the administrative director through conferences, reports and appraisal of the effectiveness of professional and technical programs. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Reviews final scientific reports with crime laboratory section supervisors to ensure their reliability and timeliness;

          Recommends and participates in the establishment of policies relating to 

crime laboratory interaction with user agencies, in consultation with Director of Division and his/her deputy(s);

          Directs activities of professional, technical and clerical staff through duty schedules and task assignments;

          Develops and/or recommends programs for continuing education of crime laboratory staff and user agents/agencies;

          Designs and/or recommends and directs special projects and/or experiments in forensic science; prepares and delivers reports on such projects at meetings or seminars;

          Provides data input for budget preparation and assists in equipment selec­tion;

          Testifies in court or in other legal proceedings as an expert witness;

          May conduct highly complex scientific studies in specialized areas of investigation using sophisticated techniques and instrumentation.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of modern full service crime laboratory operation, including laboratory techniques, methods and instrumentation; thorough knowledge of managerial operations and methods; thorough knowledge of the trends, developments and literature in the field of forensic science; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and Penal Law as they apply to the forensic sciences; ability to interpret scientifically derived data and prepare accurate and concise reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to direct activities of professional, technical and clerical personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state and local agencies and with the general public; tact, good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in one of the natural (chemistry, biology, physics) or forensic sciences, and seven (7) years of professional experience* in forensic science, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity** in a crime laboratory.

 

*Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence or specimens, and includes signing and issuing reports.

 

**Supervisory capacity is defined as responsibility for professional and subprofessional personnel in technical and administrative functions.

 

NOTE:  Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

 

          PROMOTIONAL

          Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as Assistant Chief-Crime Laboratory.

 

R2/23/90

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/27/03