Title: Director of Technical Services - Division of Technical Services - CF571 (Agency Only)

State Role Title: Forensic Science Manager I

Hiring Range: $142,102 - $190,430

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This opportunity is available exclusively to current employees of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a highly skilled Director of Technical Services to provide agency wide scientific leadership and oversight. This position is responsible for ensuring the integrity, consistency, and effectiveness of the agency’s quality management system and serves as the Laboratory Director for the Breath Alcohol Laboratory.

The Director of Technical Services functions as a key scientific representative for the agency during legislative hearings and within the broader forensic science community, providing expert guidance on complex scientific matters. Additional responsibilities include participation in operational, strategic, and budgetary planning and review; the development and delivery of training; inter laboratory coordination; and ongoing communication and collaboration with criminal justice agencies supported by the department. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and the employee will be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or forensic science.
• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of forensic science, the criminal justice system and rules of evidence.
• Extensive professional experience in a forensic laboratory environment, including knowledge of the ISO/IEC 17025 and ANAB accreditation program for testing and calibration laboratories.
• Current or prior certification to issue Certificates of Analysis or Instrument Accuracy.
• Significant leadership or supervisory experience managing scientific personnel and operations.
• Experience supporting the development, implementation, or oversight of a laboratory quality management system.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, and maintaining technical procedures, validations or quality documentation.
• Experience conducting or managing audits, assessments, or accreditation processes.
• Familiarity with evaluating technical nonconformances, corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Experience providing technical guidance or training to internal staff or external professional groups.
• Experience representing the agency or organization in professional or legislative settings.
• Experience in strategic planning, program oversight, or cross functional coordination within a scientific or technical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences, including criminal justice stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation.

Additional Considerations

• Advanced degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science.
• Qualification as a Forensic ISO/IEC 17025:2017/AR 3125 Technical Assessor.
• Experience in forensic research, method development, or validation of analytical techniques.
• Experience conducting complex audits, technical reviews, and/or investigations of nonconformances.
• Experience developing and delivering technical training to criminal justice stakeholders, including law enforcement and attorneys.
• Experience with grant-related duties (e.g., applications, reporting).

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position’s closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.

DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.

Background Investigation: Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current supervisor.

Economic Interest Statement: The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. Additionally, the statement is to be filed annually by February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 60 days of employment and every two years thereafter.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.