Forensic Laboratory Manager - Toxicology

About the role

The incumbent in this class coordinates, plans, develops, supervises, and leads the operation of the Forensic Laboratory Toxicology Detail. Incumbents perform complex and extensive management/analytical work, formulate recommendations with important policy and operational implications, and audit/oversee significant programs. The incumbent will receive direct supervision from the Director of Laboratory Services and supervise/manage subordinate staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex and extensive management/analytical work
• Formulate recommendations with important policy and operational implications
• Audit/oversee significant programs
• Receive direct supervision from the Director of Laboratory Services
• Serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and is not subject to the competitive requirements of the Civil Service Rules of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Requirements

• Five years of full-time forensic scientist professional work experience
• Supervisory experience in a forensic laboratory
• Testifying to forensic science matters in a court of law as an expert witness
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical or biological science or a forensic science related field and successful completion of 24 college level credits in chemistry
• A Master's degree in one of the aforementioned areas is desirable

Qualifications

• Experience interpreting, applying, and implementing rules, regulations, laws, policies, and procedures
• The ability to work under pressure, remain calm, and meet deadlines while paying attention to details
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to write and oversee grants
• The ability to maintain cooperative relationships and manage conflict with peers, subordinates, superiors, members of other law enforcement agencies and the general public
• The ability to convey scientific/technical information in an understandable manner
• The ability to give clear and concise written and oral instructions
• The ability to communicate effectively, including public speaking
• The ability to write, maintain, review, and update technical and management manuals
• The ability to identify technical problems, propose remedial actions, and verify their implementation
• Knowledge of Quality Management as it applies to Forensic Science
• Knowledge of Proficiency Testing Programs as it applies to Forensic Science
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Nevada driver's license

Environmental Conditions

• Laboratory and office environment
• Use of latex gloves, respirators, and/or air masks
• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, human body fluids, bloodborne pathogens, biological hazards such as viruses and germs, and other hazardous evidence items
• Exposure to computer screens
• Road and traffic conditions while driving a vehicle when conducting Department business

Physical Conditions

• Vision sufficient to read fine print on computers, distinguish fine details when looking through scientific instruments to examine evidence items, as well as distinguish color, contrast, patterns, and dimensions
• Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations
• Agility and mobility sufficient to stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using laboratory and/or standard office equipment, as well as lift, push, and pull files, documents, laboratory equipment, and/or standard office equipment
• Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write labels on test tubes and small testing vessels
• Strength and mobility sufficient to lift items up to 50 lbs with or without aid of equipment
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary