Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader - Biological Science Center

Job Description:

Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader - Biological Science Center

Description

Description

The Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader oversees the technical management of the Forensic Chemistry Unit and is responsible for implementing, evaluating, and modifying analytical procedures. The position directly supervises Forensic Laboratory analysts within the discipline, providing guidance, performance evaluation, and professional development. As the primary scientific authority for the unit, the Technical Leader ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards while supporting staff in maintaining analytical excellence and professional growth.

HIRING SALARY: $95,804 - $125,465 (Estimated Annual Salary)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• Leads, manages, and maintains accountability for the technical operations of the Forensic Chemistry Unit.
• Manages personnel including caseload assignments, work priorities, performance evaluations, career development planning, and administrative expectations.
• Conducts technical and administrative reviews of cases to ensure compliance with established procedures and scientific conclusions.
• Develops and maintains unit-specific operating procedures, quality manuals, and training programs. Conducts annual review of all technical procedures and documentation.
• Serves as chief training officer for unit personnel, provides instruction on new methods, equipment and software systems.
• Provides expert testimony regarding laboratory procedures, analytical methods, data interpretation and conclusions related to controlled substance identification and quantitation.
• Performs extensive research on new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession, including emerging drugs, novel psychoactive substances, and analytical techniques.
• Conducts measurement uncertainty estimations for quantitative analyses and ensures proper application of uncertainty calculations in casework.
• Identifies trends and new potential substances for awareness within the criminal justice community.
• Assists in developing section operating budget, monitoring section resources, equipment, supplies and instrument maintenance.
• Conducts comprehensive validation studies of equipment, methods, and software.
• Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related field required. Graduate degree preferred.
• A minimum of twelve (12) semester or equivalent credit hours of combined undergraduate and graduate course work in general, organic, and analytical chemistry (including instrumental analysis).
• A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accredited forensic science laboratory. Five (5) years of controlled substance analysis experience as a qualified analyst preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in a lead capacity overseeing quality activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.
• Knowledge of controlled substance classification and scheduling systems. Ability to acquire working knowledge of South Carolina controlled substance statutes and regulations.
• Experience with fire debris analysis and interpretation preferred.
• Training in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and completed internal/external assessor training preferred.
• Certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) preferred.
• Must possess a valid SC Driver’s License (or obtain within three (3) months of hire) and meet the requirements of the County’s motor vehicle policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of directors, staff, colleagues, elected officials and the general public.
• Able to function productively in a standard office environment accessing cabinets, shelving, work areas and office equipment.
• Able to perform all essential functions of the position while wearing required protective equipment.
• Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty-five (25) pounds occasionally.
• Able to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on project such as computer screen.
• Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees and the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical assignments are carried out in a laboratory environment with some exposure to noxious fumes with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Work involves some risk of sustaining illness and injury from the use of chemicals, high-pressure laboratory systems, flammable materials, also high energy light sources and voltage.
• Consent for collection of a DNA sample at the time of hire is a mandatory condition of employment.
• Position requires travel within and outside of the County which imposes common travel hazards.
• To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours within the Biological Science Center. Standard work hours are Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Position may include meetings, presentations and events during weekends and evenings. Irregular hours may be necessary when deemed essential to maintain operations in response to matters of public safety.
• This position may offer some opportunity for remote work.
• All employees of Charleston County government must reside in South Carolina.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making; identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
• Demonstrate sound time-management skills by successfully organizing, prioritizing and completing multiple assignments in a timely manner while responding positively to a work environment that may change often.
• Embrace change to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all laboratory operations with positive and creative approaches.
• Train, motivate and monitor the effective work of staff. Empower staff to think and act proactively to ensure the best possible outcome is provided.
• Create positive energy in both individuals and groups to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Safeguard confidential information and use or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required while performing specific job duties.
• Able to maintain favorable working relationship with co-workers, County officials, officials from other jurisdictions and the general public.
• Utilize high level of conflict resolution skills with staff, community members, elected officials and stakeholders while exhibiting consistent treatment across all groups.
• Analyze, interpret data and other information prior to preparation of reports. Successfully communicate information as an expert witness during criminal trials.
• Display awareness of upcoming changes in forensic laboratory technology and emerging drug trends.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

Salary:

$95,804.00 - $125,465.00 Annually