Commission Forensic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) forensic science management work. Work involves overseeing crime laboratory work, tests, analysis, and identification of physical evidence or database samples; interpreting analytical results; developing and instructing staff on new techniques and procedures; preparing technical reports and records; and testifying as an expert witness. Laboratory Section Supervisor I supervises less than 10 employees. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Public Safety

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met. Conditions of Employment: Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of: Visual acuity, Color vision acuity for Friction Ridge, Firearms/Toolmarks, Seized Drugs, Trace Evidence, Biology/DNA and CODIS. All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date. Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01. This applies to the following forensic disciplines: Firearms/Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option C), CODIS (Option D), and Toxicology (Option E), Biology/DNA (Option F), within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment. A college-level statistics course is required for new hire licensing. If the applicant for Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option C), and Toxicology (Option E) has not passed a college-level statistics course, they must be able to take, pass and provide official transcripts of a college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission (FSC), at personal expense, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment. An applicant for CODIS or Biology/DNA (Options D and F) must have successfully completed the course prior to application.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities:

• Manages personnel in the section regarding work assignments, priorities, expectations.
• Oversees the laboratory/section by reviewing laboratory reports and work records; ensures that quality work is performed, accurate reports are issued, and all quality assurance measures are being met.
• Ascertains that evidence or database samples are secured and properly marked and sealed; inventories evidence per guidelines; oversees receipt of evidence, destruction, and return of evidence.
• Participates in personnel decisions, oversees employee training, and monitors their performance, and assists in arranging for additional training for employees.
• Conducts liaison with area law enforcement personnel and prosecuting attorneys to meet needs.
• Provides summaries of certain laboratory activity on a monthly or quarterly basis.
• Monitors case age, assignments, and status of requests within the section.
• Assigns casework to personnel and may conduct staff meetings.
• Coordinates the annual testimony survey of laboratory staff.
• Evaluates replacement of equipment, as needed.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

General Qualifications and Requirements:

Education - Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor¿s Degree in Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science, Chemical Engineering or Forensic Science including a minimum of sixteen-semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework above general coursework. *Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards. Experience - A minimum of four (4) years of progressively complex work experience in a forensic laboratory in the field of Drug Analysis. Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, following the completion of training, if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Regulatory knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership Skills - Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Able to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Must exhibit integrity; provide clear direction to subordinates; promote teamwork and be able to motivate others to accomplish goals. Forensic Science - Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline and understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to: Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections; Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management; Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner; Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant; Conduct testing used in examination of evidence Testify in court as an expert witness. Interpersonal Skills - Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel. Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism. Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals. Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner. Analytical Reasoning - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems. Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) - Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information. Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices. Travel and/or Schedule - Availability for after-hour and weekend work may be required.

Physical and/or Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment: Office/Indoors, Vehicle, Laboratory; Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit; Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity; Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work. Stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work; Ability to transfer weights of thirty (30) pounds anticipated for this position; Driving requirements: Occasional - short trips 1-2x/month.

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/ A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change. A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary. Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions. Due to the high volume of applications we do not accept telephone calls. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. State of Texas retires may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.