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CHIEF FORENSIC LABORATORIES

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CHIEF FORENSIC LABORATORIES

Salary

$152,555.76 - $237,254.88 Annually

Location

Los Angeles County, CA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

P4358A-R

Department

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Opening Date

11/13/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position/Program Information

EXAM NUMBER:

P4358A-R

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:

We welcome applications from everyone!

FILING PERIOD:

The application filing period will begin on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous.

We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

ABOUT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER:

The Department of Medical Examiner investigates and determines the circumstances, manners and cause of all violent, sudden or unusual deaths occurring within the County.

Each year approximately 18,000 cases are reported to the Department, of which about half fall within its jurisdiction. We conduct about 5,700 autopsies per year, making it one of the largest medical and most technologically sophisticated examiner’s offices in the world, due to the complexity of cases investigated, including numerous high-profile cases.

SPECIAL SALARY INFORMATION:

This position is subject to the provisions of the Management Appraisal of Performance Plan (MAPP). Initial salary placement and subsequent salary adjustments will be made in accordance with MAPP guidelines and regulations.

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

The County of Los Angeles offers an excellent benefits package that includes a Cafeteria Benefit Plan, Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation & Thrift Plans, and 13 paid Holidays.Click here (http://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/) to see a list of employee benefits.

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WHAT YOU WILL DO!

AsChief, Forensic Laboratories (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/classspecs/1065323) , you will lead and have direct charge of the Forensic Laboratory Division.

Essential Job Functions

+ Directs the administrative and technical activities of all laboratory personnel, including those involved in chemical and physical analysis.

+ Coordinates the activities of the division with other laboratories, legal and law enforcement agencies, the courts, and scientific associations.

+ Directs and participates in researching new methods, procedures, and techniques for scientific medico-legal investigations.

+ Oversees the development and implementation of training programs for laboratory personnel.

+ Prepares the division's budget, including requests for personnel, equipment, supplies, or facility modifications.

+ Manages the grant administration process, including identifying funding opportunities; overseeing the development and writing of grant proposals and applications; monitoring grant spending; ensuring compliance with all terms and conditions of grants and funding agencies; and overseeing grant closeout procedures.

+ Ensures the division's compliance with accreditation standards in accordance with established policies and procedures for ongoing quality improvement.

+ Reviews and approves written findings that are subject to legal proceedings; testifies findings as established by laboratory analyses; and interprets findings as an expert witness.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

OPTION I:

A Doctorate degree* from an accredited college with specialization in chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, criminalistics, physics, or biology AND two (2) years of experience supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory**.

-OR-

OPTION II:

A Master's degree* from an accredited college with specialization in chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, criminalistics, physics, or biology AND three (3) years of experience supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory**.

-OR-

OPTION III:

A Bachelor’s degree* from an accredited college or university with specialization in chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, criminalistics, physics, or biology AND four (4) years of experience supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory as a Supervising Criminalist I (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/classspecs/1065341) *** within the County of Los Angeles.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

An active and valid certification in one (1) of the following certification(s) is required within two (2) years of appointment:

+ A valid and active certification in toxicology by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT);or

+ A valid and active certification in toxicology by the National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC);or

+ A valid and active toxicological chemistry certification by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:

*In order to receive credit for the required degree/coursework, certification, and/or license, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization, and/or a legible copy of the official certificate and/or license at the time of filing or within 7 calendar days from the date of filing application. Please submit documentation to [email protected] indicate your name, the exam name, and the exam number.

**We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.**Experience supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory is defined as responsibility for planning, directing, and reviewing the work of laboratory staff engaged in evidence processing and analysis. It includes assigning and evaluating work, conducting performance appraisals, participating in hiring, providing training, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and accreditation standards.

***Supervising Criminalist I: (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty/classspecs/1065341) To qualify under Option III, applicants must have County status as a Supervising Criminalist I as evidenced by holding such payroll title for the required period of time.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The following are desirable qualifications and will not be used to establish the final list or specialized secondary lists for this position.

+ Experience in the application of statutory requirements, rules and regulations, principles and practices, concepts, theories, and limitations of methods associated with Forensic Science.

+ Ability to manage complex organizational projects.

+ Experience developing short and long-term planning strategies to improve the quality and efficiency of a forensics laboratory operation.

+ Experience in the analysis and interpretation of medico-legal investigation and physical evidence in scientific investigations, including experience reviewing and interpreting analytical data and rendering opinions to medical staff, law enforcement, and the courts based on laboratory findings.

+ Experience testifying in court as an expert witness regarding laboratory operations, physical evidence, forensic results, scientific analysis, and case knowledge.

+ Experience compiling statistical data, writing scientific reports and rendering technical reports of findings and the ability to use current and modern job-related office and laboratory equipment.

+ Experience representing an organization during laboratory accreditation inspections by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLAD/LAB).

WITHHOLD INFORMATION:

No withholds will be allowed for this examination. Required experience and education must be fully met and indicated on the application by the last day of filing.

ENDORSEMENT OF COUNTY QUALIFICATIONS:

If you performed work that differs from the duties described in your class specification and believe you qualify for this opportunity, please provide verification via official documentation of additional responsibility bonus, out-of-class bonus, temporary assignment bonus or reclassification study with CEO Classification within seven (7) calendar days from application submission. Employees do not need to submit such verification if they hold or have held a position that regularly performs functions in alignment with the requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Class 2 - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Additional Information

OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

EXAMINATION CONTENT

This examination will consist oftwo (2) parts:

Part I: Multiple Choice and Simulation Assessments, weighted 50% , measuring:

+ Achieving Work Goals

+ Adapting and Responding to Change

+ Adhering to Principles

+ Coping with Pressure and Setbacks

+ Deciding & Initiating Action

+ Delivering Results

+ Entrepreneurial Thinking

+ Formulating Strategies and Concepts

+ Leading & Supervising

+ Persuading and Influencing

+ Relating & Networking

MULTIPLE-CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENT(S) ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.

Part II: An Evaluation of Training & Experience, weighted 50%, measuring:

+ Professional/Technical Expertise

+ Knowledge of grants

+ Budget Management

+ Continual Learning

+ Managing Performance

+ Developing Others

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON THE COMBINED SCORE OF PARTS I AND II IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE REGISTER.

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:

The names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of 12 months following the date of promulgation.

AVAILABLE SHIFT:

Any

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

+ [email protected]

+ [email protected]

+ [email protected]

+ [email protected]

+ [email protected]

Note:New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in togovernmentjobs.comand following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, please include yours when applying.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES:

For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD:

All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION ( ARDI):

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION:

If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.

Have any questions about anything listed above? Please contact:

Testing Accommodations Coordinator: [email protected]

Teletype Phone:(800) 899-4099

Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077

California Relay Services Phone:(800) 735-2922

Department Contact Name: Erika Alcazar

Department Contact Email: [email protected]

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:

The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit:https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.

Testing Accommodations for Applicants:

The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit:https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.

Fair Chance:

The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:

Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:

Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application athttp://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

Veteran’s Credit:

Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

For more information on veteran’s credit, please visit:https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102\_PPG\_115.pdf

Revised September 2025

For detailed information, please clickhere (http://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/)

01

The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the examination process.CHECK YOUR ANSWERS CAREFULLY.Any mistakes you make and/or any incomplete responses you provide in completing these questions will be used to disqualify your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. All information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring process.Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

+ I understand the above information and instructions.

02

Candidate Communication Acknowledgement:Many important notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address.DO NOTselect “off” under email preferences within your profile or click “unsubscribe” on our notices if you like Los Angeles County to notify you regarding your application status, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Please add the [email protected] (“[email protected]”) ;[email protected] (“[email protected]”) ;[email protected] (“[email protected]”) ;[email protected] (“[email protected]”) ;[email protected] (“) to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter email. It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.

+ Yes, I understand the above information and instructions.

03

Check the highest level of degree you hold with specialization in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, Physics, or Toxicology:

+ Doctorate degree, with specialization in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, Physics, OR Toxicology

+ Master's degree, with specialization in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, Physics, OR Toxicology

+ Bachelor's degree, with specialization in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, Physics, OR Toxicology

+ I have a degree from an accredited college or university, but my specialization is not in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, Physics, or Toxicology

+ Not applicable, I do not have a degree from an accredited college or university

04

In order to receive credit for a degree, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization. Submit proof of degree by uploading the required document(s) as attachments at the time of filing or send by e-mail to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days from application submission.

+ Yes, and I have attached the required document(s) to the application

+ Yes, and I will send the required document(s) by e-mail to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days

+ Not applicable, I do not have a degree from an accredited college or university.

05

How many years of experience do you have supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory? Note: Part time experience will be prorated. **Supervisory experience in a forensic sciences laboratory is defined as responsibility for planning, directing, and reviewing the work of laboratory staff engaged in evidence processing and analysis. It includes assigning and evaluating work, conducting performance appraisals, participating in hiring, providing training, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and accreditation standards.

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year but less than 2 years

+ 2 years but less than 3 years

+ 3 years but less than 4 years

+ 4 years or more

+ No experience

06

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please describe your experience with supervising personnel in a forensic sciences laboratory. For the experience listed, include your job title, beginning and end dates, name and contact information of the employer(s), the primary duties performed, staff supervised, number of staff and level of staff supervised. If you do not possess this experience, type "N/A". Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.

07

How many years of experience do you have as a*Supervising Criminalist Iwithin the County of Los Angeles? * Supervising Criminalist I: To receive credit for years selected, applicants must currently hold or have held the payroll title of Supervising Criminalist I with the County of Los Angeles.

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year but less than 2 years

+ 2 years but less than 3 years

+ 3 years but less than 4 years

+ 4 years or more

+ No experience

08

Certification Requirement AcknowledgmentWithin two (2) years of appointment, appointees are required to obtain one (1) of the following valid and active certifications:

+ Certification in Toxicology by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT); or

+ Certification in Toxicology by the National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC); or

+ Toxicological Chemistry Certification by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC).

+ I understand and acknowledge the certification requirement described above.

09

Chief Forensic LaboratoriesEvaluation of Training and Experience

Instructions:Questions 10 through 19are a self-assessment of your Training and Experience as it relates to the Chief Forensic Laboratories position. This Evaluation of Training and Experience isweighted at 50%of your final exam score. All information that you provide is subject to verification. The assessment will evaluate your knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in the following areas:

+ Professional/Technical Expertise

+ Knowledge of grants

+ Budget Management

+ Managing Performance

+ Developing Others

+ Continual Learning

In order to receive credit for your responses, please make sure to provide any supporting work history when prompted.Failure to provide a response may result in no or partial credit.

Certification Statement

By completing the following self-assessment, I hereby attest that all information I have provided in this training and experience questionnaire is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that Human Resources staff may verify the information that I have provided.I understand that any misrepresentations, falsifications, or intentional omissions of material facts violates Civil Service Rules and may subject me to actions that may include removal from this examination and dismissal from County employment.

+ I have read and understood the above instructions.

10

Indicate all activities you have experience managing for a forensic laboratory (Select all that apply).

+ Providing guidance and oversight in chemical and physical analysis

+ Establishing or assisting in the establishment of policies, procedures, and performance standards

+ Coordinating laboratory activities with other agencies (e.g., law enforcement, courts, other forensic laboratories)

+ Overseeing research on emerging methods and techniques on medico-legal investigations

+ None of the above

11

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please describe the duties you performed foreachforensic laboratory activity selected above. Also provide your position title, immediate supervisor name(s) and contact information, and timeframes foreachproject phase worked (FROM: month/year TO: month/year). If you have no experience in an area listed in the previous question, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.Failure to provide a response foreachactivity selected may result in no or partial credit.

12

Indicate all budget tasks you have experience performing or supervising the performance of (Select all that apply).

+ Estimating accounts revenue, accounts payable, and expenditures of your section to ensure effective delivery of services (e.g., identifying budget needs for positions and labor; supplies and services)

+ Monitoring encumbrance balances and total expenditures (e.g., procurement, purchase orders, tracking available funds for services and equipment)

+ Objective analysis of projected laboratory needs for future budget requests (e.g., usage data, trends, backlogs, overtime, justifications)

+ Preparing budget status reports for management

+ Monitoring hours of staff

+ None of the above

13

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please describe the duties you performed foreachbudget task selected above. Also provide your position title, immediate supervisor name(s) and contact information, and timeframes foreachproject phase worked (FROM: month/year TO: month/year). If you have no experience in an area listed in the previous question, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.Failure to provide a response foreachactivity selected may result in no or partial credit.

14

What grant-related activities have you personally performed or supervisedwithin the last three (3) years? (Select all that apply)

+ Researching and identifying relevant grants

+ Preparing and completing grant applications

+ Managing and administering grants

+ None of the above

15

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please describe the duties you performed foreachgrant-related activity selected above. Also provide your position title, immediate supervisor name(s) and contact information, and timeframes foreachproject phase worked (FROM: month/year TO: month/year). If you have no experience in an area listed in the previous question, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.Failure to provide a response foreachactivity selected may result in no or partial credit.

16

Indicate all supervisory responsibilities you have performed in a forensic laboratory environment (Select all that apply)

+ determining work assignments and priorities

+ evaluating work for quality

+ completing performance evaluations

+ providing coaching and performance management to staff

+ administering progressive discipline

+ interacting with unions

+ none of the above

17

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please describe the duties you performed foreachsupervisory responsibility selected above. Also provide your position title, immediate supervisor name(s) and contact information, and timeframes foreachproject phase worked (FROM: month/year TO: month/year). If you have no experience in an area listed in the previous question, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.Failure to provide a response foreachactivity selected may result in no or partial credit.

18

In order to receive credit for the previous question, please attach a valid, legible copy of your certificate(s) to your application. If you do not possess any certificate, then indicate "N/A." Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response.Failure to provide a response may result in no or partial credit.

19

Select all certifications you possess from the list below.

+ ABFT, Diplomate – Forensic Toxicology

+ NRCC, Toxicological Chemist

+ ABCC, Certification in Toxicological Chemistry

+ None of the above

Required Question

Employer

County of Los Angeles

Address

**************

Los Angeles, California, 90010

Website

http://hr.lacounty.gov

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