Forensic Science Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $108,035.20 - $153,753.60 Annually
Location : Las Vegas, NV
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: C26-025
Division: Investigative Services Division
Bureau: Criminalistics Bureau/Forensic Laboratory
Opening Date: 12/04/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Appointed
Position Type: Open Competitive
Ranked vs. Pool: Pool
The LVMPD is an EEO employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
Position Description
Definition
An 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.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position serves 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.
Click here to view a complete copy of the job description, including environmental and physical conditions.
Minimum Qualifications/Position-Specific Conditions
Best Candidates Will Have

• Five years of full-time forensic scientist professional work experience.
• Supervisory experience in a forensic laboratory and 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 (Required). A Master's degree in one of the aforementioned areas is desirable.
• 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

Conditions of Employment
In addition to the General Conditions of Employment found , the following specific conditions of employment apply to this position:

1. Be a citizen/naturalized citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions on status of the United States of America by the closing date of the announcement.
2. Be at least 18 years old by the opening date of the announcement.
3. Participate in the LVMPD Mental Wellness Program.
4. Personal Appearance: While on duty, and/or representing the Department, uniformed or otherwise, all Department employees will be neat and clean in their appearance in public. Employees are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles or jewelry on or through the nose, tongue, eyebrow or other exposed body part, except the ears for females, while on duty. Employees are prohibited from stretching or "gauging" their earlobes. All jewelry implants will not be exposed or visible while on duty. Tattoos or branding will not be exposed or visible while on duty and/or representing the Department. Such markings must be covered by clothing. Markings that cannot be covered by clothing will be covered using neutral-toned bandages or patches except for hands, neck, head, or face tattoos. Makeup is not permissible to cover a tattoo. Tattoos or branding anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination, indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, lawlessness, violence, or contain sexually explicit material are prohibited.
5. Are required to submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
6. Will be subjected to random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
7. Are required to maintain a Nevada driver license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations such as the courts.

Environmental Conditions:

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

Physical Conditions:

1. 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.
2. Speech sufficient to render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instructions.
3. Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Strength and mobility sufficient to lift items up to 50 lbs with or without aid of equipment.
7. Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

Selection Process
Application Filing
Applications, transcripts, and letter of interests must be submitted online.

• LEGIBLE copy of transcript(s) must be attached to demonstrate proof of education and include candidate's name, name of the college or university, name of the degree earned, date the degree was awarded, and number of credits earned. Please upload your transcript(s) to your application when prompted. Failure to attach a qualifying transcript will result in automatic disqualification.
• A letter of interest must be attached specifying your interest and qualifying experience. The letter of interest must not exceed one (1) page maximum. Please upload your letter of interest to your application when prompted. Failure to attach a letter of interest will result in automatic disqualification.

Decisions on an applicant's suitability for this position may be made solely on the information contained in the application, transcript(s), and letter of interest and therefore, should be filled out in its entirety.
Selection Process*
As qualified candidates apply, top candidates will be contacted to schedule in-person interviews.
*The LVMPD reserves the right to modify the selection processes in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.
Additional Selection Processes
If you successfully complete the above selection process, you will undergo a thorough background investigation, including a polygraph exam. A polygraph examination can be stressful and may affect existing medical or psychological conditions or ongoing treatment. Candidates are encouraged to consult with their personal physicians to discuss whether the polygraph will affect a condition or treatment and then follow the guidance of their medical professional.
The background investigation takes approximately 90 to 120 days to complete. You must also meet the LVMPD Hiring Standards. LVMPD employees participate in the Department's random drug screening process. For more information on the background process, click for a quick video or for specific information.
Additional Information
Inquiries
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to:

• Adam C. Markwell, Manager, , (702) 828-5519
• Anne Belize Dayan, Human Resources Technician, , (702) 828-4096

Questions regarding the position may be directed to:

• Cassandra Robertson, Forensic Laboratory Director, , (702) 828-3932

If you require assistance or special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact Manager Adam C. Markwell at a13282m@lvmpd.com or (702) 828-5519.
Vision: The vision of LVMPD is for the Las Vegas community to be the safest community in America. This vision is realized by injecting humanity into every interaction and building trust with the citizens we serve.
Mission: The mission of the LVMPD is to provide exceptional police services in partnership with the community. Prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of employees enables our department to perform at exceptional levels and build meaningful relationships with community members.
Values: The acronym "I CARE" is the guiding principle for each and every LVMPD member. This acronym represents the values of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. The values are supported by behaviors, demonstrated by the actions of members, as they live these values. All members are expected to represent the values of the LVMPD while in the workplace and off-duty.
EEO: The LVMPD is an equal opportunity employer. All appointments to the competitive service shall be made withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, military service,or political affiliation and shall be based on merit and fitness only.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.lvmpd.com
humanresources@lvmpd.com
LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
APPOINTED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Benefits are effective July 1, 2023, are based upon an 80 hour
pay period in a paid status, and are subject to change.
COMPENSATION
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE: Appointed employees may be eligible to receive an annual clothing allowance, depending on the appointed agreement in effect on July 1 of payment year. When eligible, clothing allowance is paid to the employee at a prorated amount upon the completion of 6 months of continuous service, and each July thereafter. Employees who separate from the Department are required to reimburse a prorated amount for the remainder of that year.
EDUCATION INCENTIVE: Appointed employees possessing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree from an accredited college or university may be eligible to receive a designated amount per pay period based on the type of degree obtained and the appointed agreement in effect on July 1 of payment year.
SPANISH PAY: Qualified employees may receive Spanish Pay bi-weekly.
TAXES:
State/City - Nevada has no state tax or city income tax.
Social Security - Employees enrolled in PERS do not pay social security.
Medicare - Medicare is deducted at the rate of 1.45%.
WORKING HOURS: Employees work 80 hours bi-weekly. Depending upon the area of assignment, employees work an 8-hour, a 9-hour, a 10-hour, or a 12-hour shift per day.
LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS
ANNUAL VACATION LEAVE: Employees begin accruing vacation leave immediately at the following rates:

• 1 - 4 years of service:4.62 hours per pay period (3 weeks per year)
• 5 - 9 years of service:5.80 hours per pay period (3.75 weeks per year)
• 10 - 19 years of service:6.15 hours per pay period (4 weeks per year)
• 20 + years of service:7.68 hours per pay period (5 weeks per year)

Vacation leave may be used after 6 months of continuous service.
On December 31st of each year, employees may carry over a portion of accrued leave, dependent on their years of service.
Employees separating from the Department are eligible to cash out all accrued vacation if they have completed six months of continuous service.
APPOINTED LEAVE: At the start of each calendar year (January 1st), appointed employees receive 3 appointed leave days. Employees must use these days by December 31 of the calendar year or they will be forfeited. Employees must have completed 6 months of continuous service to be eligible to use appointed leave. Appointed leave must be taken as full days, and has no cash-out value.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Employees may take bereavement leave for members of their immediate family. This leave can be deducted from any available accrued leave.
BONUS LEAVE: If an employee uses 3 days or less of sick leave, (including Family Leave), within an employment year, (the year beginning with the date of hire), s/he will receive 3 shifts of bonus leave. The shifts will be based on his/her regular work schedule at the time of accrual. There is no maximum accrual amount. Employees separating from the Department are eligible to cash out all accrued bonus leave.