Title: Crime Lab DNA Tech Lead
Criminal Investigations Division
The Community
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) was founded in November 1859 and today
serves 184,640 residents in the unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office
has grown and advanced along with its communities. Today, it is one of the most
progressive law enforcement agencies in the nation. As the largest full-service sheriff's
office in Colorado, the agency has more than 550 sworn deputies and more than 250
non-sworn employees who provide services to the community. The mission of the
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is to work in partnership with our diverse communities
in providing excellence of service, criminal justice education and to promote mutual trust
and respect.
The Organization
The Jeffco Criminalistics Unit provides services in the following forensic disciplines:
Controlled Substances; Latent Prints; Crime Scene Response; Photography; and
Training. In 2008, the crime lab achieved full accreditation through the American
Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD/LAB). In 2013, the crime lab achieved
ISO:17025 accreditation through ASCLD/LAB and continues to provide the best
services possible to law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, and the citizens of
Jefferson County.
In 2013, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office entered into an agreement with other Law
Enforcement agencies within Jefferson County to establish the Jefferson County
Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL). The JCRCL will serve the over 545,000 citizens of
Jefferson County. This new venture will feature a new 16,500 sq. ft. facility and offer
new forensic disciplines on site. The Criminalistics Unit currently has a single DNA
analyst housed in the State Crime Laboratory who prioritizes the sheriff’s office DNA
casework, while also providing the analyst as an extra resource to the state laboratory
system. This new facility will have the capacity to now house the new Forensic Biology
(DNA) Unit and will include state of the art equipment and chemistries to provide
services to all of the Jefferson County law enforcement agencies. In 2015, the new
Firearms suite will be equipped and staffed to provide additional analysis capabilities.
The new crime laboratory facility, additional forensic disciplines and additional staffing
will give employees the opportunity to be on the ground floor of an exciting new
endeavor.
The Position
Under administrative direction, assists in the operations of the forensic biology section
of the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL). Responsible for all
technical issues regarding the forensic biology section. Helps coach and train staff in
the forensic biology section. Provides scientific consultation on a routine basis and is
responsible for all of the technical aspects of the new Forensic Biology section.
Performs biology/DNA analysis on case work to include interpretation of test results,
forming opinions and conclusions, preparing reports and testifying as an expert witness.
Reports to the DNA/Chemistry Supervisor.
Functionally supervises the technical operations and procedure of the forensic biology
section ensuring compliance with the standards set forth in The Quality Assurance
Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Convicted Offender DNA
Databasing Laboratories issued by the FBI Director as well as the standards associated
with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board
(ASCLD/LAB) accreditation program. Performs mandatory technical reviews of cases
to ensure both procedural and substantive compliance with mandatory standards.
Provides technical oversight and guidance to lower level staff and provides technical
oversight to the CODIS Administrator (if assigned to someone other than the DNA
technical leader.)
Examines and evaluates numerous types of evidence for the presence of biological
materials. Utilizes various microscopic, presumptive and confirmatory tests. Collects,
preserves and maintains evidence in the crime laboratory to prevent contamination.
Properly maintains and documents chain of custody. Isolates, purifies and quantitates
DNA from items of evidence using appropriate techniques. Develops genetic profiles
using the current accepted methodology. Evaluates and compares the resultant DNA
profiles generated by the computer software. Determines the statistical significance if
an individual or individuals’ DNA profiles cannot be excluded from probative items.
Maintains competent analytical skills, experience and expertise in Biology/DNA
analysis; regularly demonstrates proficiency in this area. The position may be required
to be part of the crime scene rotation and provide crime scene processing/examination
as part of their caseload.
Reviews and trouble shoots technical problems of analytical methods; recommends and
manages corrective actions related to technical problem; evaluates all methods used by
the forensic biology section; monitors and performs validation of methods and/or
instruments used.
Provides oversight to the Crime Laboratory DNA/Chemistry
Supervisor and Quality Manager in regards to the training, quality assurance, safety and
proficiency testing of personnel assigned to the forensic biology section. Performs
inspections, audits and other quality control functions related to the forensic biology
section in cooperation with the Crime Laboratory DNA/Chemistry Supervisor and
Quality Manager. Participates in and completes externally administered proficiency
tests; reviews and assesses the proficiency tests performed by personnel assigned to
the forensic biology section. Conducts, evaluates and proposes new and/or modified
procedures and methods. Researches and validates new equipment and methodology
used in the forensic biology section.
Communicates with customers related to all aspects of the customers’ submitted cases
during case examination.
Meets with attorneys, investigators and other law
enforcement personnel regarding the interpretation of examinations conducted.
Testifies as an expert in court in relation to scientific principles and examination results.
Provides scientific assistance to attorneys and regulatory agencies.
Education and Experience Requirements
A Master’s degree in a natural science, criminalistics or a closely related field is
required. Must meet the education requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards
for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Quality Assurance Standards for Convicted
Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories. Minimum five years of forensic laboratory
experience required. Seven years or more of experience preferred, and preference
may be given to individuals who also have Crime Scene experience. Direct experience
with Life Technologies equipment, organic extractions, robotic instrumentations,
PrepfilerTM Automate Express extractions, real time PCR and modern STR-PCR
techniques is preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hiring range is $66,272 - $85,194. The salary range for this position is
$66,272 - $95,832. Jefferson County offers a generous benefit package. This can be
reviewed at http://jeffco.us/jobs/ EEO.
How to Apply
To apply, visit http://jeffco.us/jobs/ and follow the links to the online application process.
Applicants must fully complete all components of the application, including
supplemental questions. Unofficial transcripts are required at the time of application.
Applications are due by Friday, February 14, 2014 by 5:00 pm MST. Questions about
the application process itself should be directed to KRW Associates LLC at
kduffala@comcast.net.