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FORENSIC SERVICES DIRECTOR

Recruitment #18-FL8-01

Definition

THE JOB: Under general administrative direction, plan and direct the operation of the Sheriff's Forensic Services Division; perform and monitor complex casework; and other work as required.

Employment Standards

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in chemical, physical, biological or forensic science, criminalistics, physical anthropology, computer science, or in a closely related field. Five years of professional forensic science experience and, at least three years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity in a full-range forensic laboratory including budgeting, quality assurance programs, forensic science technological advances and management operations. A Master's Degree or higher in chemical, physical, biological or forensic science or a related field is highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS: Mentally and physically capable of performing all the classification's essential functions, as summarized within this section and the typical tasks section of this job specification with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling; and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials. Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities and differences between shade, degree or value of colors, shapes, sounds, forms, textures or physical appearance associated with job-related objects, materials, tasks or people. Environmental Factors: Exposure to variable temperatures, confined work spaces and heights; strong unpleasant odors, infectious bio-hazardous materials such as blood, urine and semen which might cause chronic disease or death; dust, pollens, chemical irritants; toxic substances; individuals who may be hostile and abusive; evidence that may be disturbing such as homicide evidence. Hours: May be required to work flexible hours, shifts, weekends and holidays and be subject to holdover and callback duty; and to provide a telephone number or means by which employee can be reached. License Requirement: Possession and maintenance of valid Class C California Driver License issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles by the time of appointment. Background Investigation: Ability to pass a full background investigation.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of principles, methods, materials, equipment and techniques of forensic science; Laboratory Quality Assurance and Safety standards including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17020 and 17025 Forensic Laboratory accreditation requirements; principles and practices of supervision/management and training, including managing laboratory casework and major crime scenes; principles, procedures and techniques of modern forensic and criminal investigation, identification and analysis; laws of evidence, criminal procedures, courtroom procedures and testimony; recent developments, current literature and sources of information in the field of forensic science. Working knowledge of: scientific principles as related to forensic science; laboratory safety precautions and procedures; common types of evidence such as digital evidence, firearms, DNA, anthropology and latent prints.

Ability to: Plan, organize and direct a forensic science laboratory; maintain conformance to accreditation standards and supplemental requirements of accrediting bodies; supervise, train and evaluate staff; perform, plan and oversee a variety of difficult chemical, instrumental and other laboratory analyses; resolve analytical problems arising from casework through consultation, review of scientific literature and/or applied research; prepare clear, concise reports, correspondence, statistical documentation and other written materials; analyze, develop and implement policies and procedures; develop and monitor a budget; negotiate and manage service contracts and agreements; establish and maintain effective work relationships with departmental personnel, representatives of other law enforcement agencies and others contacted in the course of work; speak effectively before groups and testify in court as an expert; interpret and apply local, state and federal codes, ordinances, laws, regulations and policies; adhere to Sheriff's Office code of ethics.

Benefits

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
VACATION - 16 days 1st year, increasing to 31 days per year after 15 years service. Available after 1 year service.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE – One week advanced upon appointment; two weeks accrued each year; can be taken in cash or time off.
HOLIDAYS - 13 paid holidays per year.
SICK LEAVE - Six days per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN - The County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security.
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $50,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN - Plan pays 66 2/3% of the first $13,500, up to $9,000 per month maximum.
DEPENDANT-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay for qualifying child or dependent care expenses may elect this pre-tax program.
H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.

Selection Plan

THE EXAMINATION: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants. If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out an application and mail/bring application to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.

Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

An Equal Opportunity Employer