Forensic Chemistry Technical Leader - Biological Science Center

Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and the Public Safety Directorate.

Minimum 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.