City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

DNA TECHNICAL LEADER (6050)

                           Grade 14: $59,329.55

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to supervise operations and staff involved in performing DNA and serology laboratory operations and casework analysis for the Public Safety Department.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.

Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures: reviews reports and analysis submitted by subordinates; performs quality assurance analysis and validation studies of standard operating procedures and equipment; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations; and maintains required documentation.      

Assists in formulating laboratory policies and procedures: establishes, updates and implements test procedures in consultation with supervisor, industry best practices, and accreditation and certification standards; writes and amends safety rules and regulations, quality assurance manuals, and standard operating procedures; and communicates procedures, safety rules, accreditation and certifications requirements and other information to subordinates.  

Assists in developing and implementing operating budget for area of assignment: makes recommendations regarding staffing, equipment and supplies; and monitors expenditures for adherence to approved budget.

Administers DNA database: enters and reviews qualifying DNA profiles; provides confirmation DNA profiles; maintains data and categories; enters and deletes samples; identifies specimens; responds to positive hits; backs up data; and maintains DNA index for unit staff.

Ensures equipment, machinery, tools, and supplies are properly used, inventoried, and maintained at all times: calibrates equipment; monitors logs, records and software; prepares and submits orders for supplies and materials; and ensures items are repaired or replaced as needed.     

Performs laboratory processing of assigned cases: conducts body fluid identification tests; conducts microscopic analysis of hair or semen samples; extracts DNA; performs DNA real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis; performs DNA amplifications and electrophoresis; analyzes results of laboratory testing; and prepares and submits case reports.

Provides expert testimony in court cases: answers questions and provides information regarding DNA processing techniques, evidence collection, preservation methodology, etc.; and prepares visual aids as needed.

Serve as a liaison between department and Claflin University: provides lectures, student tours, and training; develops research with University faculty members; meets with faculty; writes and submits related grants; and coordinates joint projects and studies.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures regarding forensic DNA analysis and related laboratory operations: maintains and awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; and attends meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Operates or uses various equipment, tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains automated DNA extraction instrument, real-time polymerase chain reaction instruments and reagents, capillary electrophoresis instrument, and other laboratory equipment and supplies.

Communicates with City officials, supervisor, other employees, attorneys, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, or a related field required; supplemented by five years of experience in DNA analysis to include lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain certification as a Forensic DNA Analyst.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or correlate data.  Includes exercising judgment in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations, in referencing data analyses to determine necessity for revision of organizational components, and in the formulation of operational strategy.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as a first-line supervisor, including instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and evaluating employee job performance.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information, such as case reports, proficiency test reports, audit and correction reports, and budget documentation.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as electric currents, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, disease, and pathogenic substances.

Contingent offer based on satisfactory completion of required background check, pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Offer includes full benefits (employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance), State of SC pension plan, 401k, 457b, etc…

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. THE CITY OF ORANGEBURG IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER.