CHIEF FORENSIC LABORATORIES

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, manner

s 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 to see a list of employee benefits. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! WHAT YOU WILL DO!

As Chief, Forensic Laboratories, 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 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 ealcazar@hr.lacounty.gov and 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: 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 pos