Quality Assurance Manager, Forensic Scientist IV - Baltimore Police Department

Job Summary

A Forensic Scientist IV plans, develops and implements a forensic laboratory quality assurance and occupational safety program and performs advanced/complex level work in the chemical, biological, physical or comparative analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Laboratory of Police Department. Work of this class involves leading lower level Forensic Scientists by assigning, reviewing and coordinating the work of Forensic Scientists, but does not involve full supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Incumbents receive general supervision from an administrative supervisor. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek, subject to callback in event of emergency.

Work is performed in a laboratory where there may be exposure to unknown controlled dangerous substances, toxic fumes and contaminated blood or other body fluids. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in forensics, biology, chemistry, physics or a related science from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Six years of experience in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; controlled dangerous substances, toxicology, serology, DNA, trace evidence, firearms and toolmark, questioned documents or latent print examination, including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.
• Equivalency: Master's degree in biology, chemistry or physics from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances. Certification from a National Certifying Board in Latent Print Examination may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and technical protocols of criminalistics and forensic science.
• Knowledge of Forensic Lab procedures and practices, research methods, analytical instrumentation and equipment as applied to the work of a Forensic Lab.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in a court of law and chain of custody.
• Knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations regarding forensic laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of the theory and operation of laboratory chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a Forensic Lab.
• Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data and drawing accurate conclusions.
• Skill in the application of standard precautions in handling potentially infectious biological materials or hazardous chemicals.
• Skill in evaluating scientific tests, protocols and results for accuracy, precision and compliance with technical standards.
• Skill in developing scientific protocols.
• Skill in conducting investigations with independence and integrity.
• Skill in training others and gaining cooperation and compliance.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing.