Forensic Supervisor - Police Department

Description

Come join a team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, where the well-being of our residents is always our top priority. We offer flexible scheduling options (based on position) and foster professional growth through comprehensive training programs and learning opportunities. Shape your future in a career that empowers you to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

Position Summary

Responsible for supervising and overseeing the daily operations of the Forensic Unit. Must manage personnel and ensure compliance with department protocols as they relate to crime scene investigation, laboratory processing and the integrity of evidence collection and storage.

Pay Range: $33.98 - $59.46 per hour, depending on experience

Schedule: 4x10 hour shifts with on-call rotation.This position participates in an every-other-week on-call rotation and is responsible for responding to operational needs and providing supervisory support during assigned on-call periods.

Benefits : Full Benefits; health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, education assistance program

Retirement: Utah Retirement Systems (URS) pension and/or 401(k)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Posting Close Date: May close any time after October 4th, 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and supervision of personnel within the Forensic Unit.
• Responds to the scene of Critical Incident Investigations as necessary in order to coordinate personnel and assist in documentation of the crime scene.
• Rotates as on-call supervisor every other week after normal working hours.
• Provides technical guidance and training to forensic personnel and mentors their career development.
• Assigns casework and call-out rotation to forensic personnel.
• Assists with casework, including laboratory processing and examinations as needed to reduce temporary backlogs.
• Performs technical and administrative reviews on all completed case files.
• Performs a second verification to all latent print identifications prior to a report being published in the record management system by a Forensic Investigator.
• Maintains monthly and annual statistics to track workload and productivity within the Forensic Unit.
• Monitor and enforce all safety regulations within the laboratory and on scene locations.
• Conducts monthly evaluations and annual reviews of personnel performance and equipment maintenance.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of crime scene documentation, latent print examination and the protocols utilized within the West Valley City Police Department.
• Provides education for law enforcement officers, attorneys and civilians in the areas of crime scene documentation, laboratory processing and latent print examination.
• Assists in the development of procedure manuals and provides ongoing recommendations for improvements in policies.
• Stays current on recommendations for national standards and technological developments within the forensic community and assists incorporating those values into the West Valley City Forensic Unit.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise Forensics staff.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Sciences, Criminalistics, Police Science or related field and five years’ experience in a crime laboratory.
• Must have completed at least 300 hours of specialized training in the areas of crime scene documentation, chemical processing and latent print examination.
• Must have previous experience in testifying as an expert witness in either federal or state courts.
• Prior supervisory experience or leadership training is preferred.

Language Skills:

• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Have, or be able to obtain within thirty (30) days, a valid Utah driver’s license.
• Have, or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hiring, a certification in one of the forensic disciplines recognized by the International Association for Identification (IAI), the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), or other forensic professional organization. Certification must be maintained.

Other:

• Must be able to pass a Law Enforcement Background Investigation.
• The knowledge and use of basic computer software programs and office equipment.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of law enforcement agencies, attorneys and the public.
• The ability to organize, develop and implement long term goals for the progression of the Forensic Unit.
• Ability to drive a vehicle.
• Ability to work independently.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to physically and effectively perform job duties in the laboratory and at crime scenes. This includes the ability to lift up to forty pounds, work in inclement weather conditions, walk through uneven terrain and occasionally adjust to work nighttime hours, holidays, and weekends without prior notice.

Work Environment:

Crime scenes are varied and diverse, including exposure to disagreeable elements such as death scenes, offensive smells, biological hazards, extreme temperatures, and various weather conditions. Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human tragedy, unpredictable work hours and deadlines associated with managing a case load. Includes working in a laboratory environment, handling potentially hazardous chemicals and biological fluids.

If you are reading this and hesitating to click "apply" because you do not check every box in the posting, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

West Valley City is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” and selects, hires, promotes, and compensates employees without regard to race, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, color, national origin, or any other non-meritorious factor. The City evaluates applicants for employment or candidates for promotion based upon their knowledge, skills, experience, education, and potential for job performance consistent with the needs of the position.