DIRECTOR OF LABORATORIES                                                                2450

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class directs the operations and coordinates the activities of the various laboratory elements in the division of Medical-Legal Investigations and Forensic Sciences. The incumbent develops sound administrative policies for the Toxicology/Drug Abuse/DWI, Crime and Public and Environmental Health Laboratory units. The employee assists the Chief Medical Examiner in the development of divisional programs and policies, particularly as they apply to laboratory functions. Direction is received from the Chief Medical Examiner through conferences, reports and evaluation of the effectiveness of professional and scientific programs. Performs related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Confers with and assists the Chief Medical Examiner in establishing Divisional policies, especially as they relate to laboratory operations;

          Assists the Chief Medical Examiner in assessing feasibility of new programs and/or desirability of continuing existing ones;

          Assists the Chief Medical Examiner in development and preparation of operating and capital budgets;

          Maintains appropriate lines of communication among laboratory units; acts as liaison between laboratories and external agencies;

          Represents Division at meetings, seminars and conferences, especially those relating to laboratory operation when designated by the Chief Medical Examiner;

          Reviews test findings and furnishes technical advice and assistance to laboratory units as needed;

          Testifies as expert witness in a variety of legal proceedings and hearings;

          Evaluates performance of key laboratory personnel;

          May develop and/or direct special laboratory projects or experiments and present reports on such projects to the scientific community.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of management techniques and methods as they apply to laboratory operations; comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory functions, including instrumentation, methods and techniques; thorough knowledge of the trends and developments in laboratory science; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and Penal Law as they apply to problems associated with laboratory findings; 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 local, state and federal agencies and with the general public; sound judgement; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Doctorate in one of the natural or forensic sciences and seven (7) years of *professional experience in forensic or environmental laboratory management. Requisite experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

 

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

 

3/24/86

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive