JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, SCIENTIFIC SERVICES DIVISION, PSP

JOB CODE: 72070

DEFINITION: This is managerial and advanced professional work directing the Scientific Services Division in the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

The employee in this job plans and directs multiple forensic science disciplines for the Bureau of Forensic Services. Work involves overseeing, through subordinate managers, the operation of regional forensic laboratories and their scientific evaluations of physical, chemical, and biological evidence. Work includes developing policies, standards, and procedures; developing and implementing new forensic scientific services programs within the division; ensuring laboratories and forensic services comply with quality assurance, accreditation, and legal requirements; identifying equipment and staffing needs; preparing, implementing, and monitoring the division’s budget; and assessing new forensic methodologies and technologies for implementation. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by the bureau director through reports and conferences for achievement of goals, objectives, and program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs the development and implementation of forensic services programs that are consistent with applicable laws and regulations in order to meet the Bureau of Forensic Services’ needs.

• Develops and implements program goals, policies, standards, and procedures for the division’s statewide forensic services programs.

• Monitors, reviews, and interprets legislation impacting the division’s forensic services.

• Monitors forensic services caseloads and performance and directs the reassignment of cases between laboratories to avoid or reduce backlogs.

• Oversees and inspects the operations of regional forensic laboratories to ensure compliance with laboratory safety practices, quality assurance standards, policies, and applicable laws.

• Determines the need for procurement or repair of equipment to enable the laboratories to achieve optimum performance.

• Develops and manages the division’s budget.

• Analyzes statistical data and prepares detailed reports documenting the effectiveness of the division’s programs.

• Monitors and researches advancements in forensic technologies and methodologies utilized by national and international forensic agencies and organizations.

• Oversees and participates in the training of division staff.

• Researches and analyzes grant opportunities, prepares grant funding applications, and ensures compliance with grant funding requirements.

• Represents the department and bureau at meetings and conferences.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Travels to various work sites.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative biochemical and chemical analysis.

• Knowledge of forensic laboratory methods, equipment, and materials.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic laboratory quality assurance monitoring and assessment.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic laboratory safety.

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to preserve and present scientific evidence to courts of law.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve issues.

• Ability to interpret and apply scientific data, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

• Ability to organize information and prepare reports of analysis and findings.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These are not used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Knowledge of management and budgeting principles used for long range planning, budget preparations, and program strategy development.

• Ability to implement, direct, and evaluate statewide forensic services programs and regional laboratory operations.

• Ability to forecast equipment and personnel needs for forensic science programs.

• Ability to research and apply for funding sources that can financially support forensic science programs.

• Ability to identify the need for new forensic science programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a Forensic Services Program Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• One year as a Forensic Laboratory Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• One year as a Forensic DNA Quality Assurance Program Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of professional laboratory experience in the chemical, physical, or biological analysis and comparison of criminal evidence, including two years in a supervisory capacity, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a closely related physical or natural science which includes or is supplemented by 16 college credits in chemistry.