Criminalist Supervisor (DNA Special Skills)

Job Description and Duties

The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor supervises the Criminalists and Senior Criminalists who process DNA samples collected from qualified persons and submitted by California law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state law. Staff develop DNA profiles from these samples and import those DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) where they are searched against DNA profiles from evidence from unsolved crimes. The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor assists, advises, and coordinates technical training for all Data Bank Criminalists and Senior Criminalists, determines operational area coordinators, and assigns and coordinates troubleshooting and validation and other specialized projects within the Data Bank Program under the direction of a Criminalist Manager. The Data Bank Criminalist Supervisor monitors, coordinates, schedules, and approves all of the activities and tasks of the Data Bank Criminalists and Senior Criminalists.

What will I be doing?

The candidate will supervise Criminalists and Senior Criminalists in the DNA Data Bank Program and collaborate with the entire management team. The candidate will be responsible for oversight of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) unit, including supervision of the State CODIS Administrator and State Alternate Administrator(s). The candidate will ensure adherence to National DNA Index System procedures, FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards, and Bureau policies and procedures, advise criminalists on analyses and instrument troubleshooting, and may perform technical and administrative review of DNA Data Bank sample analyses.  The candidate will coordinate with the Familial Search supervisor to ensure appropriate resource allocation, identify training needs, and provide consultation and instruction related to CODIS unit operations.  The candidate will be expected to advise on DNA quality assurance, quality control, and the DNA technical procedures.   

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Background Investigation prior to being hired. The Background Investigation may include Criminal Background and a review of any governmental records.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Drug Screening Test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.
• The position(s) requires incumbents pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

DOJ’s DNA programs comply with the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Forensic DNA Databasing Laboratories. Consequently, it is desirable for a candidate for this Criminalist Supervisor position to have a background with DNA experience, including working knowledge of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and including successful completion of the following college coursework or classes (or the equivalent):

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Statistics and/or Population Genetics

Candidates who have not completed the FBI QAS-required college coursework may apply for this position; however, only the most qualified candidates will be selected to move forward in the selection process.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Statement of Qualifications

In a 1-2 page written narrative (i.e., essay format, no lists or bullets), please address the following questions. Please address each question individually and clearly label (e.g., “Question 1”, “Question 2”, “Question 3”) which question you are responding to in your submission.

Please note that failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications and/or failure to follow the specific instructions noted above may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Question 1: Describe your experience working with forensic laboratory instrumentation and equipment. In your response, identify the specific instruments and equipment you have worked with and explain the activities you have performed using them.

Question 2: Describe your experience leading and supervising others. For each of the leadership or supervisor positions that you have held, explain the number and level of employees and the scope and complexity of the work you have managed.

Question 3: Describe your knowledge of and experience with CODIS and DNA database operations. How has your experience prepared you to effectively oversee and evaluate work performed within this unit?

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree/Diploma
• Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. To be considered for the position, applicants must submit an SOQ along with their application. Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications. Applicants who fail to follow this requirement as specified will be disqualified from the selection process. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below for instructions.