Crime Laboratory Coordinator

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 12-28-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

This coordinator position will be working in the DNA unit.

As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a résumé AND cover letter at the time of the application. Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.

SAVE THE DATES: Screening Panel Interviews will tentatively be held the week of January 12, 2026. If needed, in-person hiring interviews may be held the week of January 26, 2026.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a biology-, chemistry- or forensic science-related area; additionally, candidates must have at least 6 years of forensic laboratory (or directly-related) experience.

Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.

Successful completion of a background check by the FBI is required for use of the CODIS database.

Must obtain the applicable Arizona Criminal Justice Information System Network Terminal Operator Certification within six months of hire and maintain throughout the duration of their employment.

ABOUT THIS JOB

The Crime Laboratory Coordinator supervises and oversees personnel and scientific analysis for one or more forensic disciplines within an accredited crime laboratory. This position is responsible for assigning daily casework operations and supervising forensic scientists who conduct highly specialized forensic analysis of evidentiary items utilizing chemical, microscopic, or chromatographic techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify, and evaluate physical evidence related to criminal investigations for the police department.  

Employees in this classification play a critical role in ensuring unit compliance with quality assurance and laboratory accreditation standards, enforcing laboratory policies, and contributing to the overall mission of delivering accurate and timely forensic services for the Crime Lab’s law enforcement partners and the criminal justice system in Southern Arizona

This classification may include any of the listed duties, knowledge, skills, or other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on department needs.

• Supervises a team of forensic professionals in one or more scientific disciplines.  Assigns, coordinates, and determines priorities of work including scheduling, assigning, and reviewing requests for casework examination to ensure balanced workloads and adherence to turnaround times.  Supervises the operation of national databases (including AFIS, CODIS, and NIBIN), if applicable.  Ensures laboratory safety.  Ensures timely delivery of results and serves as a point of contact for internal and external customers of the Crime Lab. 
• Implements controls for appropriate unit staffing and effectiveness by participating with Human Resources in the recruitment, hiring and onboarding of employees, setting expectations, evaluating and managing recommendations for employee performance and development, as well as employee discipline.  Accompanies personnel to court to review their expert witness testimony.  Discusses and identifies personnel matters and facilitating resolutions.  Promotes positive morale in the unit.  Ensures staff is trained appropriately for expected performance, and provides leadership and guidance to personnel. 
• Ensures ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) accreditation standards are implemented and maintained.  Assists quality assurance activities and maintenance of the laboratory’s quality system by approving standard operating procedures, conducting the annual management review, participating in internal audits and resolution of quality actions.
• Supervises the procurement processes in one or more scientific disciplines by renewing service contracts, taking inventory, ordering, and maintaining records of purchase orders for supplies and consumables received. Develops, implements and monitors training programs for new and current staff in assigned scientific disciplines. Ensures staff maintain technical qualifications and meet continuing education requirements.
• Recommends improvements, reviews needs and approves new equipment, techniques, and procedures instituted within the unit. Oversees the process for validations on new equipment and annual performance checks on established critical equipment.
• Participates in community outreach to include delivering training and tours of the Crime Lab to internal and external customers and stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
• Assists with researching opportunities, submission of applications and post-award management of Federal, State and local grants to include evaluation of goals and objectives, grant reporting, and accountability for the budget which funds projects and personnel paid by grant funding.
• Conducts examination of forensic evidence and provides expert witness testimony in their area of expertise, if needed.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

This classification works in a full-service Crime Laboratory, accredited in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025/AR 3125 Standards.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree

Work Experience: Six (6) years of relevant experience


Preferred Qualifications
Completion of the ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) Forensic Internal Auditor or External Assessor ISO/IEC 17025 training.

Completion of the FBI’s DNA Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) auditor training.

Demonstrated experience with conducting internal audits of forensic biology/DNA laboratory operations.

Demonstrated experience with conducting external assessments of forensic biology/DNA laboratory operations.

Demonstrated experience with assisting with and/or performing validations in a forensic biology/DNA setting.

Demonstrated experience with training of forensic biology/DNA personnel.

Training and/or experience with grant submission and management, to include the Bureau of Justice Assistance Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction(CEBR) grant.

Completion of continuing education and development specific to leadership, management, and training, from providers such as American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD), Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), GAP Science, City of Tucson Ignite, or equivalent. 

Demonstrated leadership, management and supervisory experience in a forensic biology/DNA setting of an accredited crime laboratory.

Demonstrated experience as an examiner in a forensic biology/DNA setting of an accredited crime laboratory.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J6328 - Crime Laboratory Coordinator

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G110

Hourly Range

$35.37 - 53.05 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Department Link

NA

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.   

Recruiter Name

Randy Esslinger (50607)

Recruiter Email

NA

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.