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Form of work*** This posting is open to internal DPS employees only. ***
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.
SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
Conditions of Employment:
Must be able to successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy from University of New Haven with two (2) years of starting employment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical work for the Biology Program in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy and serves as the designated laboratory official (DLO) for the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory Division. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing the laboratory forensic investigative genetic genealogy program. Work also includes data analysis, reporting, research, and liaising. Provides consultative technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, public, and private organizations. Coordinates, assigns and/or prioritizes the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develops, implements, and oversees a system-wide Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy program and related projects.
2. Evaluates case records to formulate recommendations and strategies on how to best utilize remaining evidence to further case investigation through
forensic DNA analysis.
3. Liaises with law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies, and crime laboratories (DPS and non-DPS) regarding auditing, review, and continued
analysis of evidence and data related to investigation of forensic investigative genetic genealogy cases.
4. Maintains knowledge of latest scientific developments, legislation, and standards in forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
5. Serves as a Subject Matter Expert during Legislative hearings or inquiries. Evaluates impact of legislation and implements operational changes
accordingly.
6. Researches grant funding opportunities and assists with grant applications.
7. Evaluates technical aspects of DNA outsourcing contracts for the purposes of forensic investigative genetic genealogy testing.
8. Represents the division at conferences, meetings, and serves on internal and external working groups related to forensic investigative genetic
genealogy.
9. Participates in internal and external auditing, proficiency and casework activities as required.
10. Attends work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science* or a related discipline. Coursework must include successful completion of sixteen (16) semester hours of chemistry, and a minimum of one (1) 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry totaling at least nine (9) semester or equivalent credit hours.
*Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited OR meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
Substitution Note: A Forensic Biology/DNA Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission may be substituted for the education requirements.
Experience - Minimum of three (3) years' human DNA experience as a qualified analyst interpreting forensic DNA in an accredited crime laboratory. Experience with Y-STR analysis and CODIS operations preferred.
Substitution Note: Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
Licensure and/or Certification - Must be able to obtain a graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven (or equivalent) at the Department's expense within 2 years of starting employment. Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
Regulatory Knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership Skills - Knowledge of management/supervisory methods and principles, performance/productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Ability to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Ability to provide clear direction to others, promote teamwork and motivate others to accomplish goals.
Technology - Proficiency with Microsoft Office and appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems (e.g. CAPPS, SharePoint) and be able to learn new software/systems.
Interpersonal Skills - Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Must demonstrate DPS' core values: Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Teamwork.
Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.
Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations and/or communications to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.
Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.
Schedule and/or Remote/Telecommuting work and/or Travel - Availability for after-hour and/or overnight travel statewide for work is required. Telecommuting up to 5 days per week.
PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environment: Office/Indoors;
Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;
Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;
Ability to transfer weights of up to ten (10) pounds anticipated for this position;
Driving requirements: Occasional (up to 15%).
State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information: https://www.ers.texas.gov/
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.
A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.
Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.
DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.
