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NASSAU COUNTYTitle:DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC GENETICS
Code:330600 PTU
CLASS SPECIFICATIONPage:1 of 2

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Supervises the forensic genetic (DNA) analysis of specimens and evidentiary material from Nassau County Medical Examiner's Office, District Attorney's Office, Police Department, Courts, and other agencies; performs related duties as required.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES
Under general supervision, the duties require the use of considerable judgment in developing and supervising the applications of DNA analytical techniques to be used in forensic laboratory testing. This title differs from the Assistant Director of Forensic Toxicology in that the Assistant does not have complete supervisory responsibility.

TYPICAL DUTIES
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1.
Supervises and performs DNA testing on biological samples, including, but not limited to, blood, semen, saliva, and other body tissues.
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2.
Supervises the activities of all personnel within the Forensic Genetics Laboratory.
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3.
Ensures the maintenance and updating of the quality manual for current DNA techniques, including, but not limited to, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and other general polymerase chain reaction (PCR) applications.
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4.
Monitors laboratory practices to verify continuing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, policies, and procedures.
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5.
Assures that the laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Laboratory Accreditation Program.
6.
Ensures the correct evaluation of instrument calibration and related maintenance records.
7.
Evaluates all methods used by the laboratory, and ensures validation of new procedures.
8.
Oversees the administration and evaluation of proficiency testing.
9.
Conducts annual (internal) audit with the laboratory director (Chief Forensic Toxicologist).
10.
Investigates technical problems, proposes remedial actions, and verifies their implementation.
11.
Interprets DNA results and issues a final report.
12.
Testifies to the DNA results as the courts may require.
13.
Remains abreast of developments in the field of DNA typing, and attends workshops and conferences on DNA techniques.
14.
Assists the administration of the Medical Examiner's Office in preparing the budget for the DNA laboratory.

*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS



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Title:DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC GENETICS
Code:330600 PTU
Page:2 of 2


FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Extensive knowledge of procedures, methods, principles, and practices, in forensic genetics and DNA analysis.
2.
Extensive knowledge of current DNA methods, especially STR and other general PCR techniques.
3.
Thorough knowledge of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services regulations on DNA and laboratory testing.
4.
Considerable knowledge of the equipment and supplies used in forensic genetics.
5.
Considerable knowledge of the rules of evidence, such as penal laws, as they relate to DNA evidence.
6.
Considerable knowledge of statistics as they relate to forensic genetics and DNA testing.
7.
Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the activities of personnel performing DNA analysis.
8.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, i.e., Nassau County Police Department, District Attorney's Office, and County Attorney's Office, associates, and subordinates.
9.
Ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts to non-specialists in Courts of law and to law enforcement officials, both orally and in writing.
10.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience
Master's degree in Genetics, Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, including or supplemented by twelve (12) credits in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology and Seven years of satisfactory experience in forensic DNA analysis including both:
a.Four years at a supervisory level
and
b.Two years of experience using short tandem repeat (STR) analytical techniques employing the use of semi-automated fluorescence-based assays.
NOTE:Post-Master's course work in Genetics, Biology, Chemistry, or Forensic Science may substitute for the nonsupervisory experience mentioned above on a thirty (30) credits-per-year basis, up to a maximum of two years.


9/13/00
464/01
Revised 8/7/01
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