County of Santa Barbara Hiring for Forensic Unit Supervisor at Lompoc, CA  Full Time

NOTICE OF CHANGE
CLOSES 8/11/23 AT 5:00 pm

For more information about the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
visit our website at .

TO APPLY ONLINE,

We are accepting applications to fill one vacancy in All Locations of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Appointee must be willing to accept an assignment at All Locations throughout the County of Santa Barbara. The list established will be used to fill current and future vacancies for All Locations (separate lists for different locations will not be established). Therefore, applicants must check “All Locations” on the application agency wide question and /or supplemental question acknowledging this is required for the position.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE MISSION:

We, the members of your Sheriff’s Office, are responsible for enforcing the laws, upholding the Constitutions, and providing custody and court services. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life through effective partnerships, protecting persons and property, while serving as role models to our community. For more information about the Forensic Unit and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

DEFINITION: Under the general direction of the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit. Duties and responsibilities of the Forensic Unit include: identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at crime scenes; video and photo documentation of crime scenes; development, collection, comparison, and independent verification of latent prints; creation of crime scene diagrams; participation in courtroom testimony; coordination of in-house training of crime scene unit members; and the performance of related duties as required.

POSITION: The Forensic Unit Supervisor is a first-line supervisor responsible for performing a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility. This is a non-sworn position that exercises direct supervision over civilian Crime Scene Technician and administrative support staff and is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the unit. This class is distinguished from the Crime Scene Technician class series by its full supervisory responsibility over the Forensic Unit.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement setting.
• Experience supervising, training and developing forensic staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of accepted crime scene processing methods used in the forensics field.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of comprehensive photographic and identification techniques used in law enforcement; fingerprint identification, classification, and analysis.
• Ability to work, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply laws, statutes and policies.
• Ability to multi-task, handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions and assist others as necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to diverse groups of people.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in working with employees/management at all levels; ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Microsoft Office Suite products (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint) skills and experience.
• A reputation for honesty and trustworthiness, good moral character, credibility, integrity, dependability and good judgment under pressure.

For information on Health Benefits and Compensation Summary, links below:
Health Benefits and Wellness:
Compensation Summary:
Retirement Plans:

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

BACKGROUND DISQUALIFIERS:

• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Poor credit history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information
• Illegal possession of marijuana

1. Supervises, plans, and coordinates the work of the Forensic Unit and effectively supervises, prioritizes, and evaluates the work of Crime Scene Technician I, II, and Senior positions, as well as administrative support staff.
2. Oversees and participates in the identification, collection, and preservation of physical and trace evidence at crime scenes, including video documentation, photo documentation, and crime scene diagraming.
3. Coordinates and works with Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office/Santa Barbara County Human Resources divisions, recruiters, and Sheriff’s Office management when hiring new Crime Scene Technicians and Administrative Office Professionals; manages the Forensic Unit calendar to approve leave time and ensures Crime Scene Technician availability to respond to call-outs.
4. Directs and participates in latent print recovery methods and comparisons, including the use of the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)/Universal Latent Workstation (ULW) System.
5. Testifies in court regarding the processing of crime scenes, latent prints, laboratory processing of evidence, and related testimony.
6. Attends and documents autopsies.
7. Reviews and approves highly technical reports containing laboratory results, fingerprint comparison results, and crime scene processing reports written by Crime Scene Technicians.
8. Writes clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
9. Coordinates and provides technical professional support services for law enforcement personnel and other outside law enforcement agencies.
10. Maintains the effective and efficient operation of the Forensic Unit and continually works to improve unit performance and the quality of its services to the public.
11. Develops and maintains new hire and ongoing training programs for Forensic Unit staff, as well as deputies throughout the organization.
12. Other duties as assigned.

1. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement setting that included performing fingerprint identification duties (i.e., examining and comparing latent fingerprints; analyzing, classifying, and indexing); using digital forensic photography, including the use of software to enhance images; extensive forensic lab and field expertise; experience using CAL ID, the statewide automated fingerprint system; OR,
2. Two (2) years of experience performing duties equivalent to the classification of Crime Scene Technician Senior with Santa Barbara County; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: basic principles and practices of employee supervision, evaluation, and training; accepted crime scene processing methods used in the forensics field; comprehensive photographic and identification techniques used in law enforcement; fingerprint identification, classification, and analysis; various computer software use and techniques.

Ability to: direct, plan, coordinate, prioritize, and evaluate the work of subordinate-level staff; supervise, train and develop staff; analyze and compare latent fingerprints; take clear and accurate photographs, using a variety of equipment; testify effectively in court; work with minimum supervision; write clear concise technical reports; review and approve highly technical reports assuring quality of content and procedural correction; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; communicate in a clear and concise manner when explaining procedures/techniques used on evidence and how specific laboratory results were obtained; take a proactive approach in problem solving; analyze various types of situations/problems and make sound recommendations for resolution; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the Forensic Unit, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies; learn Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit procedures and standard operating procedures; understand, interpret and apply laws, statutes and policies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required at time of appointment.
• Positions in this class are subject to being called back to work after hours and on weekends.
• This position may be assigned to work in all areas of the County.
• This position may be required to work in rural areas, on uneven ground, and around hazardous conditions commonly found in crime scenes.
• Appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period.

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Qualified candidates will be emailed a notice to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ, will be invited to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or pass the PHQ will result in disqualification from continuance in the recruitment.
3. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: The Supplemental Questionnaire will be administered electronically and an invitation will be sent with the deadline indicated in the notice. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. The Human Resources Department will notify you by mail if your name is removed.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Disaster Service Worker: The County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, employment history, driving record, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. Appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Appointee must successfully pass the following:
Polygraph Examination will measure the accuracy of information disclosed during the background investigation process.

Background Investigation includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of police records, personal, military, social media and employment histories; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and is a safe driver.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 8/11/23 AT 4:59 PM; Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at

If you have any recruitment questions, please email recruiter, Colleen Ryan at