Class Code: 06024
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
CRIMINALIST SUPERVISOR
DEFINITION
Supervises
a unit of the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Crime Laboratory and
performs varied and complex tests and analyses of physical substances as a part
of the scientific investigation of crimes; performs related duties as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for
illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for
position classification decisions.
WORK EXAMPLES
Supervises and evaluates the work of subordinates;
recommends personnel actions related to selection, disciplinary procedures,
performance, leaves, grievances, work schedules and assignments; administers
personnel policies and procedures.
Identifies and compares materials such as glass, paint,
soil, flammable materials, metals, greases, ink, alcoholic beverages, gun
powder residues or other hard trace evidence to ascertain if they came from a
common source or determine what the item is.
Identifies and conducts quantitative analysis of drugs and
alcoholic substances.
Analyzes physiological stains such as blood and body fluids
to determine, identify, and group as to origin or species.
Presents testimony at grand jury proceedings, preliminary
hearings, or trials in order to interpret, present and clarify evidence and
test results.
Analyzes body fluids and tissues to ascertain the presence
of drugs, narcotics, alcohol or poisons for toxicology purposes.
Analyzes and compares handwriting, printing, typewriting,
type-set print, photographs and other types of printed material to ascertain
the author of the material or demonstrate relationships between two materials.
Identifies and compares fingerprints, footwear, foot and
palm impressions, tire treads and serial numbers to identify persons and/or
materials used in criminal activities.
Identifies and compares toolmarks, fired bullets, cartridge
cases, distance determinations, firearm discharges and residues to determine
the physical and chemical aspects of unknowns and to show similarities to
knowns.
Conducts analysis using new equipment, procedures or
techniques to determine their potential for the laboratory and establishes
guidelines for their use.
Writes laboratory reports on analysis conducted on physical
evidence to reflect the identification, grouping or characteristics of
materials that have been submitted for analysis.
Trains new Criminalists in laboratory procedures and the
forensic sciences.
Reviews
reports submitted by Criminalists to assure complete and accurate documentation
of cases.
COMPETENCIES
REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of
biology, chemistry, toxicology, physics, and microanalysis as they relate to
criminal investigation.
Knowledge of the nature of physical evidence and the proper
collection procedures and documentation of physical substances obtained in
criminal investigations.
Knowledge of proper instrumentation, chemicals and other
materials used in the laboratory.
Knowledge of journals, textbooks and other information
resources and their application to a specific analysis.
Knowledge of the laboratory and agency policies, procedures,
and guidelines.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern
supervisory methods including: hiring, terminating, conducting employee
performance evaluations, administering collective bargaining contracts, and
other functions of a first-line supervisor.
Ability to maintain composure while under cross-examination
in a courtroom atmosphere.
Ability to plan and review the work of personnel supervised
to ensure efficient operations and accurate results.
Ability to follow laboratory procedures, observe reactions,
record and interpret results, and arrive at conclusions.
Ability
to adapt theories and principles of natural and physical sciences to problems
encountered in the analysis of substances.
Displays high standards of ethical
conduct. Exhibits honesty and
integrity. Refrains from theft-related,
dishonest or unethical behavior.
Works
and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their
needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays
a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing
assignments efficiently. Works with
minimal supervision. Demonstrates
responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds
appropriately to supervision. Follows policy
and cooperates with supervisors.
Aligns
behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages
and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
EDUCATION,
EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited four year college or
university with a degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics or a
closely related physical or natural laboratory or management sciences and the
equivalent of five years of full-time experience in a crime laboratory
involving analysis in the criminalistics or forensic sciences;
OR
an
equivalent combination of experience and education, substituting thirty
semester or equivalent hours of graduate study in one of the physical or
natural laboratory or management sciences mentioned above for each year of the
required work experience to a maximum substitution of three years;
OR
employees
with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes
the equivalent of 36 months of full-time
experience as a Criminalist shall be considered as qualified.
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENT
All applicants must pass a thorough background investigation
conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Effective Date: 11/06 CH