Skip to main content

Assistant Director - Kansas City Crime Laboratory

Monthly Salary: $8,296 - $12,257

Listing Expiration Date: 

March 30, 2026

Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications for this position with their application.

APPLY NOW

Requirements & Qualifications:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the incumbent must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a scientific field closely related to laboratory functions. Five years professional scientific experience for an accredited forensic science service provider is required.

The incumbent must have broad forensic science knowledge. Incumbent must have experience testifying to forensic casework.

Five years of supervisory experience for an accredited forensic science service provider is required.

Internal audit experience is required.

Experience as an external laboratory assessor is preferred.

Incumbent is required to

  • have strong decision-making, leadership, supervisory, communication (both oral and written), instructional, time management, and organizational skills
  • successfully manage and prioritize work in adverse and stressful situations
  • have comprehensive and thorough knowledge of and the ability to interpret, explain, apply, and understand all aspects of KCPCL operations including all associated policies, standards, procedures, practices, laws, and regulations
  • hold a current valid driver’s license
  • submit a DNA standard for quality control purposes
  • exercise considerable independent judgement under minimal supervision and interacts productively with subordinates, other department members, customers, personnel at other laboratories, vendors, stakeholders, and citizens.

Incumbent will be required to complete post offer, pre-employment testing per Department Policy.

Physical Requirements:

Position is primarily sedentary and incumbent may sit for prolonged periods of time.

Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. Exposure to hazardous materials and working conditions exist.

Brief Job Description

  • Manage the operations of the assigned sections to include the Chemistry, Digital Evidence, DNA, Firearms, Latent Print and Trace

    Supervise all Chief Criminalist Supervisors of the assigned Sections, Quality Assurance Manager and Crime Scene Investigation Unit Manager

    Manage various division-related projects and programs from conceptualization to implementation

    Serve as the acting Director in the Director’s absence

    Engage, mentor, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with KCPD policies and procedures

    Hire and train personnel

    Serve as a case manager and case coordinator, especially for complex cases and those cases requiring priority or expedited testing

    Serve as the official Records Custodian for the Division. Oversee the release of case- related images, documents, reports, and other records to attorneys and the public

    Testify in the court of law regarding technical, operational, administrative, and Records Custodian-related duties.

    Manage the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell grant) to include completing the application, administering grant activities, coordination among the Division staff, using judgement and discretion, and monitoring expenses.

    Manage Division training funds.

    Seek out funding opportunities for equipment.

    Be on call for three months out of the year. Maintain regular and reliable attendance. Crime scene response, mandatory overtime, and flexible hours are required.

    Collaborate with the Director, Quality Assurance Manager, and Crime Scene Investigation Unit Manager on various operational, administrative, and technical matters.

    Monitor casework documentation, reports and court testimony. Ensure casework is reported and presented clearly and accurately.

    Oversee the keycard system and Traka key system.

    Keep customers informed about testing services, capabilities, and limitations. Solicit customer feedback.

    Provide training and tours for customers and stakeholders.

    Perform other duties as required, or as assigned by the Director.