Senior Planner

Job Overview Under general supervision, this role is responsible for forensic technical work of average difficulty and performs related tasks as required. The position is located at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime laboratory in Davidson County. Distinguishing features: The employee works either in evidence receiving, processing, and tracking, or assists scientists in forensic testing. Employees also serve on a rotating Violent Crime Response Team to collect evidence at violent crime sites. The role differs from a Forensic Technician Supervisor, whose responsibilities include planning, supervising, and auditing laboratory staff. Responsibilities Evidence Receiving Receive and process all evidence submitted for analysis, including firearms, controlled substances, blood, and other biological specimens. Wear protective clothing, eyewear, mask, and gloves when handling biological specimens and notify employees of potential hazards. Assign identification numbers, log evidence in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), request necessary tests, and store evidence in the secure vault. Track evidence location at all times, retrieve evidence for forensic scientists, and distribute laboratory test results. Prepare and testify regarding chain-of-custody and evidence handling if necessary. Establish contacts with criminal justice officials and investigative staff. Evidence Analysis Prepare evidence for analysis, mix reagents, and prepare blood swatches for DNA testing. Assist forensic scientists in analyzing evidence in specialty areas such as toxicology, latent fingerprints, serology, DNA testing, and ballistics. Perform tests, develop conclusions based on results, and certify accuracy with forensic scientists. Violent Crime Response Team Serve on a rotating team, representing a discipline (latent prints, firearms/tool mark, serology/DNA, microanalysis). Locate, document, and collect evidence, photograph, measure, and diagram crime scenes. Produce detailed narratives and video portrayals of activities at the crime scene. Qualifications Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and two years of full‑time experience in one or a combination of the following: (1) professional laboratory work; (2) non‑professional laboratory work receiving/classifying evidence; (3) professional law‑enforcement work; (4) non‑professional law‑enforcement work receiving/classifying evidence. Substitution of education for experience: Coursework credit from an accredited college or university may substitute for required experience on a month‑for‑month basis, up to a maximum of two years. Examination Education and experience rating, 100%. Benefits Health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Annual leave based on years of service. Retirement through Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. #J-18808-Ljbffr