FORENSIC ADMINISTRATOR

Date: Mar 7, 2025

Req ID: 47875

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72205

Category: STATE CRIME LABORATORY

Anticipated Starting Salary: 62530

Position Number: 22183563
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 03/14/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 62530

The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.

This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.

If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.

Job Title: Assistant DNA Technical Leader
Department: Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL)

Position Summary
The Assistant DNA Technical Leader at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing technical oversight for forensic DNA testing and CODIS laboratory processing. This role includes project management, technical assistance, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and quality standards. The position operates within the framework of state and federal laws, as well as agency policies and will report directly to the DNA Technical Leader.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Coordination: Manage assigned projects by gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, and providing performance updates to supervisors.
Quality Assurance & Compliance: Review organizational activities to ensure adherence to applicable quality standards, interpret procedures, and resolve routine and non-routine issues.
Policy & Procedure Development: Collaborate in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines for DNA analysis, methodology, technology, and quality assurance management.
Technical Leadership: Assist the DNA Technical Leader in overseeing the technical operations of the laboratory, ensuring optimal function and compliance.
Additional Duties: Perform other related tasks as assigned by leadership.

Travel Requirements
This position may require occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong understanding of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to forensic DNA analysis.
Proficiency in forensic DNA analysis principles, methods, practices, and program development.
Knowledge of leadership practices and effective program coordination.
Ability to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of DNA testing systems, policies, and procedures.
Experience in planning, coordinating, and evaluating activities, including quality assurance and method validation.
Proficient in the use of information technology systems related to forensic DNA testing.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present detailed reports and policies.
Ability to analyze and resolve complex forensic DNA issues and interpret results.
Capability to assist the DNA Technical Leader in managing laboratory operations.
Successful completion of the FBI’s DNA auditor training course within one year of appointment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a related field.
Completion of at least 9 semester credit hours in Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Statistics (from undergraduate or graduate coursework).
Minimum of 3 years of experience as a qualified human DNA analyst working with forensic samples.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or a related field.
Completion of 12 semester credit hours in Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Statistics, or Population Genetics, including at least one graduate-level course (3 or more credits).

Position Information

Class Code: B019C

Grade: GS11

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $62,531.00 - $99,737.00

Summary

The Forensic Administrator is responsible for directing the activities of a forensic laboratory section. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Supervises a technical staff by interviewing and recommending for hire, training staff, assigning and reviewing work, and evaluating the performance of incumbents. Reviews daily requests and instructions and prepares various solutions and/or equipment for processing activities. Verifies results of laboratory tests. Trains newer or less experienced analysts. Reports maintenance problems to appropriate personnel Maintains and updates records, including daily/monthly activities and section inventory, prepares purchase requests, and conducts general maintenance on equipment Must participate in the laboratory's proficiency testing program Performs other duties as assigned

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic analysis and of forensic analytical methods and techniques Knowledge of laws, regulations, and agency policies governing forensic activities Knowledge of laboratory equipment used to perform forensic analysis Ability to plan and organize forensic analysis Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and appear as expert witness in court Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of subordinates. Ability to conduct research, establish new analytical procedures, and prepare and present training on the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence Ability to perform complex and difficult analysis of a wide range of factors to determine the appropriate analytical techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in chemistry; plus five years of experience in a chemical laboratory, including two years in a forensic laboratory, or a related field, with one year as a Senior Forensic Analyst. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.