Senior Forensic Quality Assurance Manager

Job Overview

Lead, implement, and manage the ISO
17025-based quality assurance program for the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Scientific Evidence Division (SED). This includes: leading internal and external audits with accrediting bodies; providing necessary training to laboratory staff on policy and procedures; monitoring and interpreting quality assurance activities necessary for the successful functioning of the laboratory services; generating documents; and maintaining standards. Perform a variety of other technical tasks, relative to the assigned area(s) of responsibility;

maintain communications within the Scientific Evidence Division (SED) on any issues; and participate in the more complex and difficult work required within the assigned area(s) of responsibility.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Description s are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Oversee, lead and coordinate the quality assurance program ensuring compliance with meeting department standards and to satisfy the requirements necessary to secure and maintain the ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Recommend and advise on laboratory quality issues; provide insight and guidance on quality assurance and safety matters to forensic scientists and laboratory personnel.
• Provide oversight over laboratory compliance related to employees, equipment, or contracts assigned to the Quality Manager or Quality Assurance Section.
• Monitor compliance of assigned section(s) employees work for accuracy, proper work methods, and techniques; verify compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with standards and readiness for assessments and audits.
• Monitor and assist non-conformances and corrective actions, to include root cause analysis and reviewing and creating action plans for appropriateness, effectiveness, and completion.
• Responsible for document controls for laboratory policies and procedures.
• Maintain, update, interpret, and enforce the APD Crime Laboratory Quality Manual.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the quality manual, laboratory policies, and unit procedures.
• Oversee, and coordinate training and continuing education of assigned staff; may create and provide trainings as needed.
• Develop and provide training concerning forensic science, quality assurance, and analytical procedures for city and state personnel; may include but not limited to investigators and legal personnel.
• Evaluate, recommend, and, as applicable, approve changes to laboratory policies and procedures for assigned section(s) and recommend new techniques and methods to management staff.
• Assist in the development of specifications for the purchase of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Prepare and present a variety of technical and statistical reports.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory personnel’s education records, training records, and courtroom testimony evaluations.
• Maintain confidentiality of case information; provide testimony as required.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Coordinate bio-hazardous and chemical waste disposition.

• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• May be required to travel and receive training as assigned to maintain and enhance professional competency.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, a physical science or related field.
• Five (5) years of laboratory experience.
• Program management or program oversight experience is preferred.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

A variety of forensic, laboratory and crime scene environments; potential exposure to unpleasant odors, fumes, dust, contagious diseases, bodily fluids, explosive materials, loud noises, as well as irritant, carcinogenic, toxic or mutagenic chemicals; prolonged use of computers.

Essential and supplemental functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for personal mobility; may be required to move objects up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.