What are the responsibilities and job description for the DPS - CLD - DNA Trainer - 6057 position at TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY?
*** This posting is open to internal DPS employees only. ***
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs highly advanced (senior-level) forensic science t work; involves DNA analyses to aid in investigations; specialized DNA analyses of biological materials; testifying in court; interpreting analytical results; preparing technical records. May serve as the DNA Technical Leader as described in crime laboratory policies. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PublicSafety.pdf Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.
Condition of Employment:
Prior to employment must provide documentation from a physician of visual and color vision acuity. Acuity testing must have occurred within six (6) months prior to the start date. Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates policies and procedure; and monitors compliance with policies and procedures.
2. Performs specialized Forensic DNA analyses to aid in the investigation of crimes.
3. Interprets analytical results; maintains records and prepares technical records; maintains knowledge of latest scientific developments in forensic DNA
analysis.
4. Performs one of the below based on the lab assigned:
a. Casework Laboratory: Testifies in court, prepares technical reports, may conduct crime scene investigations to gather physical evidence or
coordinate the sending of other Forensic Scientists to a crime scene as needed.
b. CODIS Database Laboratory: Conducts analyses and examinations of known reference samples submitted to the databasing laboratory for upload
into the State and National DNA Index System.
5. Provides training to and coordinates the professional development of employees within the DNA or CODIS section.
6. May serve as the DNA Technical Leader and be responsible for the technical functions of the DNA or CODIS section.
7. Performs proficiency tests and may review proficiency test work performed by the section staff or monitor testimony of section staff when needed.
8. Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in order to, improve, adapt,
and implement new procedures and techniques.
9. May conduct lecturing and teaching assignments to law enforcement groups, schools, etc. and represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
10. May assist Section Supervisor/Lab Manager in evaluating the performance of other Forensic Scientists.
11. Communicates with officers and prosecuting attorneys to determine that needs for forensic and/or databasing services are being met.
12. Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.
13. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
Education – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science* or a related discipline. Coursework must include successful completion of sixteen (16) semester hours of chemistry, and a minimum of one (1) 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry totaling at least nine (9) semester or equivalent credit hours. One three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Commission is also required.
- Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
Substitution Note: A Forensic Analyst license may be substituted for the education requirements.
Experience – Minimum of three (3) years’ human DNA experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples in an accredited crime laboratory.
Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. Must be able to obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, following the completion of training.
Regulatory knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Analytical/Research and Forensic application skills– Must demonstrate an ability to plan, organize, develop and adapt scientific techniques and procedures for the analysis of evidentiary materials and/or databasing samples. Extensive knowledge of the basic scientific principles used in the specific forensic discipline. Thorough knowledge of quality control procedures in forensic analysis.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.
Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals. Ability to present scientific data in an understandable manner to lay juries, to prepare detailed technical reports, to conduct exhaustive complex analyses. Ability to instruct and impart scientific knowledge to other laboratory personnel.
Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CJIS systems.
Confidentiality and Protected Information –Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Travel and/or Schedule - Availability for unanticipated travel is required.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
- Environment: Laboratory environment, office, outdoor, and vehicle;
- Ambulatory skills, e.g. Stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch;
- Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
- Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity sufficient to perform micro and macroscopic examination where required by the specific discipline;
- Ability to transfer weights of forty (40) pounds anticipated for this position;
- Driving/travel requirements: Occasional (10%).
State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.
Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.
DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.
