Ast. Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance and Chemistry

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\nThe State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), is recruiting a permanent Assistant Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance and Chemistry located in Meriden, CT.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPosition Highlights:\r\n\r\n The Assistant Director will work within the Chemical Analysis Section which is comprised of the toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry units.\r\n In this role, you will play a critical role in providing operational leadership, supporting technical and quality functions, assisting with staffing and workload priorities, and helping ensure timely, accurate, and scientifically reliable forensic services for law enforcement agencies, courts, and public safety partners throughout Connecticut.\r\n This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday.\r\n In order to be considered you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date unless otherwise specified.\r\n\r\nThe Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:\r\n\r\n Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry.\r\n Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling.\r\n Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:\r\n\r\n Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards.\r\n Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions.\r\n\r\nTogether, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA Message from our Commissioner\r\nDESPP is committed to protecting and improving the\r\nquality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services,\r\ntraining, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement,\r\nprevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is\r\nstructured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner\r\nRonnell Higgins.\r\n�\r\n1.\r\nOperational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence • Making decisions through the\r\nthoughtful and informed use of data • Challenging the 'that's the way it's\r\nalways been done' construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we\r\ncan improve • Constantly seeking better results\r\n�\r\n2.\r\nShared Fiscal Responsibility • Recognizing our collective responsibility to\r\nsteward the agency's resources • Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure\r\nthat they are in taxpayers' interests • Preparing together for potential budget\r\nstresses and fiscal challenges\r\n�\r\n3.\r\nEthics and Accountability • Critically and constantly measuring our practices\r\nagainst our policies • Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide\r\nto measure success and flag areas needing improvement • Regularly engaging\r\nexternal partners for feedback and assessments • Opening our doors to\r\nConnecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career\r\npathways\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee of the agency listed above�for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.� You must specify your qualifications on your application.�\r\nIMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS\r\nRECRUITMENT\r\nCandidate selected for an interview must provide the\r\nfollowing at the time of interview:\r\n\r\n State\r\n Employees: Two (2) most recent performance evaluations and a\r\n completed CT-HR-13 form.\r\n Non-State\r\n Employees: Two (2) professional references contact information (Name,\r\n Email and Phone Number) and a completed CT-HR-13 form.\r\n\r\nWe will\r\nalso ask all candidates to bring a copy of their unofficial\r\ntranscript(s).�\r\n�\r\nCandidates who have been selected for\r\nemployment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection\r\nare subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint\r\nsupported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference\r\nchecks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of\r\nthe background investigation. Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum.\r\nAlso considered in this selection process: Any pending\r\nor disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance\r\nrecords. Failure to provide the required documents listed above or submit your\r\napplication accurately and on time, will eliminate you from the recruitment\r\nprocess.\r\n\r\n\r\nFOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:�\r\nCheck out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?� Visit\r\nour Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment\r\nprocess.�\r\n�\r\nBEFORE YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum\r\n Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must\r\n specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience\r\n and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job\r\n opening, unless otherwise specified. �\r\n Educational Credits: List your earned credits and\r\n degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To\r\n receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be\r\n accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the\r\n U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized\r\n USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education\r\n equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on\r\n the job posting.�\r\n Resume Policy: Per Public Act\r\n 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the\r\n initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses,\r\n candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support\r\n their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include:\r\n a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews,\r\n attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the\r\n request and discretion of the hiring agency.�\r\n Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and\r\n shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may\r\n result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or\r\n shift.�\r\n Timely Submission: All application\r\n materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable\r\n to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the\r\n State. �Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only\r\n for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire\r\n duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.�\r\n Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary\r\n calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches\r\n of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the\r\n other.�\r\n Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via\r\n the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut\r\n Online Employment Center job posting.\r\n\r\n�\r\nAFTER YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of\r\n additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the\r\n questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an\r\n email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal\r\n Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).���\r\n Prepare For An Interview: Interviews\r\n are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with\r\n the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview\r\n Preparation Guide to make the best impression!�\r\n Stay\r\n connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your\r\n status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and\r\n tasks.��\r\n The immediate\r\n vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be\r\n used for future vacancies in this job class.��\r\n Note: This position will be filled in\r\n accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer,\r\n promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and\r\n accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State\r\n Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available\r\n at www.ct.gov/ethics.\r\n\r\n�\r\nQUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\nDue to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt\r\nor provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your\r\nPersonal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have\r\nadditional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rachel Allsop via email, Rachel.Allsop@ct.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoin the State of Connecticut and take your next\r\ncareer step with confidence!\r\n

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of the toxicology, controlled substance and chemistry units operations which is responsible for the analysis of autopsy specimens, body fluids, analysis for poison and drugs, breath alcohol analysis, solid dose drug analysis, arson and gunshot residue.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

\r\n\r\n\r\n Assists with directing staff and operations of the toxicology, controlled substance, chemistry, instrumentation and breath alcohol units;\r\n Assists in coordinating, planning and managing division activities;\r\n Assists in formulating program goals and objectives;\r\n Develops or assists in development of related policies and procedures of section in conjunction with the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or current laboratory accrediting body and the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC 17025);\r\n Interprets and administers pertinent laws;\r\n Evaluates staff;\r\n Assists with preparing section budget;\r\n Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact program activities;\r\n Assists with determining laboratory techniques and procedures necessary to examine specimens and samples submitted;\r\n Assists with development of security and control procedures;\r\n Assists with research and new methodology and modifies existing technology;\t\r\n Oversees grant administration;\r\n Coordinates preparation for section annual audits;\r\n Ensures planning and maintenance of professional development and training requirements;\r\n Acts for the Deputy Director in their absence;�\r\n Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;\r\n May provide expert testimony;\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n\r\n Considerable knowledge of\r\n \r\n theory, principles and practices of analytical chemistry, spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry;\r\n techniques of biochemical and toxicological analyses;\r\n physical, physiological and pharmacological effects of poisons and absorption, storage and elimination;\r\n principles and practices of forensic science;\r\n quality management principles and process improvement techniques;\r\n \r\n \r\n Knowledge of\r\n \r\n and ability to apply management principles and practices;\r\n relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;\r\n Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computer software;\r\n \r\n \r\n Considerable\r\n \r\n interpersonal skills;\r\n oral and written skills;�\r\n \r\n \r\n Ability to interpret findings and defend results.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with expertise in at least one (1) of the following forensic disciplines: toxicology, controlled substance and/or chemistry units.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.\r\nNOTE: For state employees this experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 2.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

\r\n \r\n College training in forensic science, criminalistics, clinical or forensic toxicology, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n A Master’s degree in forensic science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology, clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n A Ph.D. in clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n \r\n\r\n

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n Experience supervising forensic laboratory operations, including toxicology, controlled substances, breath alcohol, general chemistry, casework prioritization, staffing, workflow management, quality compliance.\r\n Experience working in an accredited forensic science laboratory, including experience with ISO/IEC 17025 ( International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission 17025) requirements, ANAB (American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board) accreditation standards, corrective actions, audits, proficiency testing and method validation.\r\n Experience supervising scientific, technical, professional staff, including performance management, training oversight, competency assessment, technical development, workload coordination.\r\n Experience collaborating with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, public safety partners, including testimony support, customer service, case prioritization, communication of laboratory capabilities.\r\n Experience analyzing laboratory data to evaluate performance, including backlog trends, turnaround times, staffing needs, overtime utilization, and resource allocation.\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\n\r\n\r\n Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.\r\n

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.� As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.\r\n