Crime Laboratory Coordinator

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 06-03-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

Application and Special Instructions

This coordinator position will be working in the Evidence Processing unit. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a résumé (cover letters optional) at the time of the application; applications that do not include at least a résumé 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 on June 11th, 2026. If needed, in-person hiring interviews may be held the week of June 22nd, 2026.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree; for this recruitment -- equivalency will not be considered -- additionally, candidates must have at least 6 years of forensic laboratory (or directly-related) experience. Must provide a DNA sample for the staff 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.

Preferred qualifications:
- Completion of the ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) Forensic Internal Auditor or External Assessor ISO/IEC 17025 training.
- Demonstrated experience with conducting internal audits of a latent print processing and/or DNA screening laboratory.
- Demonstrated experience with conducting external assessments of a latent print processing and/or DNA screening laboratory.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in crime scene and/or crime laboratory photography.
- Demonstrated experience with training personnel conducting latent print processing and/or DNA screening.
- Demonstrated experience as an examiner in a latent print processing and/or DNA screening accredited crime laboratory, to include courtroom testimony.
- 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 latent print processing and/or DNA screening of an accredited crime laboratory.

Position Summary

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

Work is performed under the supervision of the Crime Laboratory Superintendent. This position exercises supervision over the Evidence Processing unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.  Ensur