State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Director Of The State Forensic Science Laboratory (1824MP)

$64.70-$88.22 Hourly / $5,175.56-$7,056.94 BiWeekly /
$135,082.00-$184,186.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for directing the State Forensic Science Laboratory, which conducts complex tests and analyses to identify the properties of physical evidence resulting from criminal and civil actions in the state.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives administrative direction from the Division of Scientific Services Administrator or other administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs staff of laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Directs staff and operations of the State Forensic Science Laboratory;
  • Coordinates, plans and manages laboratory activities;
  • Formulates program goals and objectives;
  • Develops or assists in development of related policy;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws; 
  • Evaluates staff;
  • Prepares or assists in preparation of laboratory budget;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of laboratory who might impact on program activities;
  • Examines, analyzes and identifies evidence in complex cases;
  • Conducts crime scene searches and participates in major crime scene investigations;
  • Trains laboratory staff, police and fire personnel in techniques utilized for gathering and analyzing evidence;
  • Prepares highly technical reports;
  • Performs advanced scientific research;
  • Conducts investigatory conferences with staff;
  • Meets with attorneys at trial conferences before court appearances to discuss evidence;
  • Testifies in court as an expert witness;
  • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • principles of serology, immunology, analytical chemistry and related disciplines such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, spectrography and appropriate mathematical techniques;
    • physiological fluids and their detection, analysis and grouping for purposes of individualization;
    • examination and analytical procedures for evidentiary materials;
  • Knowledge of current forensic science literature;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • skill in operation of a variety of analytical instrumentation and related photographic techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Master's degree in forensic science or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in the supervision of the activities of a laboratory section consisting of several specialized units engaged in selecting and conducting highly complex tests to analyze physical evidence.

NOTE: For state employees supervisory experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 3.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

A Ph.D. in forensic science or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application a thorough character investigation of each candidate may be conducted before names are certified for appointment. Candidates who do not have a good character, who have a criminal record or have been dishonorably discharged from any police department, fire department or armed forces of the United States are ineligible.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Examined

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(02)-MANAGERIAL

EEO

(1)-Officials And Administrators

SALARY INFORMATION

MP 72

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Director of The State Forensic Science Laboratory in Salary Group MP 72 approved effective April 6, 2012. (Revised to add Acknowledgement section and modify content) Final No. 22-007

EFFECTIVE DATE

04/01/2022
CLASS: 1824MP; EST: 11/17/1978; REV: 12/22/2022;