Hybrid Sheriff's Forensic Science Supervisor chez Hennepin County, MN

About the Department

All Forensic Science Laboratory personnel are required to have a buccal sample collected for the purpose of generating a DNA profile to be included in a laboratory DNA contamination database.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral program page. 

Find us here at upcoming career fairs!

• Oversee the DNA section, Comparative sections (Firearm and Latent Print) or Quality Assurance management of the laboratory; direct staff in the research and validation of new techniques, procedures, methods, and equipment used in the laboratory.
• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, including scheduling, prioritizing work, and directing staff activities; may perform casework as needed. 
• Supervise section staff, including report review, performance evaluation, assignment balance, and employee discipline.
• Provide leadership to further department-based strategies that align with county goals, mission and core values for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Support training initiatives and contribute to the development of reports, documentation, and operational materials.
• Manage laboratory quality systems by initiating corrective/preventative actions and facilitating continuous improvement.
• Administer key laboratory programs such as performance monitoring, document control, and standard operating procedure development.
• Maintain quality assurance and quality control records to ensure compliance and operational integrity.
• Prepare and monitor section budgets and manage related expenditures.
• Testify in court as needed and oversee the testimony of laboratory staff; participate in internal audits and compliance reviews.
• Abide by Hennepin County’s core values and non-discrimination and respectful workplace policy.
  

• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, genetics, forensic science, chemistry or a closely related field and three years or more of forensic laboratory experience.

• Experience:
  • In supervising including working with employee labor agreements, hiring, and performance management.
  • Directing laboratory staff in the research and validation of new techniques, procedures, methods, and equipment used in a laboratory.
  • Managing a Quality System. 
  • Managing technical operations of a forensic science discipline.
  • Participating in internal and/or external audits. 
  • Testifying in the court of law as an expert witness in a forensic science discipline.
  • As a trained ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 Forensic Laboratory Assessor.
• Knowledge of:
  • Goals and objectives relating to the major functions of a forensics laboratory.
  • Budget management.
• Knowledge and experience with ISO/IEC 17025 and relevant Forensic Science standards, the accreditation assessment process and compliance activities
• Ability to:
  • Plan, assign, and direct the work of staff.
  • Work effectively with peers and with multiple levels of stakeholders within an organization.
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• DNA Supervisor only:
  • Successful completion of at least 9 credit hours of coursework in biology- or chemistry- related areas that provide an understanding of the foundation of DNA analysis, as well as completion of coursework in statistics and/or population genetics.