Manager, Forensic Sciences

Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.

Summary:

In 2014, the ASPCA and New York Police Department (NYPD) formed a historic partnership to address the problem of animal cruelty in New York City.  In this partnership, the NYPD is the primary responding law enforcement agency for complaints of animal cruelty and the ASPCA is responsible for veterinary forensic examination and medical care of animal victims of cruelty. 

The Forensic Sciences Manager supervises two coordinators who are responsible for the non-veterinary aspects of animal cruelty cases.  The Manager, coordinators and four forensic veterinarians, comprise the veterinary forensic sciences team.  The forensic science team is responsible for forensic evaluations of live and deceased animals and record-keeping/liaising with all departments involved in case management of animal cruelty victims housed at the ASPCA 92nd Street and 91st Street facilities. 

In addition to managing Forensic Science Coordinators, the Manager, Forensic Sciences will support the department by managing the casework process, criminal case administrative tasks, forensic crime scene logistics and creating certified medical records for court hearings and trials. The manager will be responsible for oversight of forensic facilities and inventory, per-diem support staff, and the forensic veterinary externship and internship programs. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated team leader with an interest in forensic evaluation of animal victims of cruelty and working with individuals in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Staff Management (30%)

  • Management of Veterinary Forensic Science Coordinators, including coaching, professional development and supervision
  • Complete annual performance reviews and goals for direct reports
  • Assess individual and team performance by providing routine appreciative and developmental feedback, as well as creating a solutions-oriented culture and environment to promote team success
  • Participate in the hiring and onboarding of new staff as appropriate
  • Document and communicate to appropriate supervisors all valid concerns, proposed solutions, and ideas regarding employee issues
  • Manage forensic calendars including staff time off, conference attendance and court testimony
  • Supervise the forensic veterinary externship program, including the application/selection process; scheduling; initial training; and the coordination of work with other departments
  • Train per-diem forensic support staff when necessary

Program Management (30%)

  • Serve as point person for ASPCA internal departments and external agencies for questions about NYPD case forensic work
  • Supervise the creation of certified medical records for the New York City District Attorney’s office(s)
  • Supervise inventory management and ordering of forensic supplies (live animal, necropsy and crime scene investigation)
  • Oversee evidence handling and safekeeping
  • Oversee maintenance of chain of custody for animals moving to foster and partner hospitals 
  • Manage and oversee Civicore Database Development by focusing on the addition of new data fields, improved and new functionality, and customized reports
  • Manage and/or supervise Civicore data entry for new cases and provide updates to case and animal information as needed
  • Supervise the management of detailed Policy, Response & Engagement animal information sheets used for the weekly Animal Health and Welfare Meeting across multiple ASPCA departments
  • Supervise and participate in the development of new protocols and standard operating guidelines for forensic casework
  • Participate in the creation of training materials for veterinary partners
  • Work with other departments to revise protocols, processes and forms as necessary
  • Schedule weekly Animal Health and Welfare meetings, forensic rounds, and Forensic/ARC rounds
  • Manage abandonment proceedings including abandonment letters and posting to ACC lost and found website
  • Collect, aggregate and analyze NYPD case data, reporting to leadership and donors
  • Work with VP of Humane Law Enforcement to facilitate collaborative working relationship between New York City and Gainesville Forensic Science teams
  • Work with the People Team and Temporary Staffing Agencies to set up new per-diem forensic veterinarians and per diem coordinators

Casework (25%)

  • Manage and/or supervise the notification of new NYPD cases 
  • Manage and/or participate in intake of new NYPD cases: Medical record preparation, case documentation and photography of animal, completion and filing of legal forms (chain of custody, transfer of ownership)
  • Manage and/or participate in forensic necropsies (radiography, photography, documentation of findings), including submission and tracking of samples (including separating tissue samples from formalin solution and safe disposal of formalin)

Crime Scene (10%)

  • Oversee preparation and organization of equipment for crime scene investigation
  • Oversee maintaining stock for crime scene equipment kits (personal protective gear, evidence collection, blood evidence collection, computers, photography equipment)
  • Participate in crime scene investigations
  • Manage and or conduct research in crime scene processing tools and equipment

Other (5%)

  • Supervise sample submission to outside laboratories
  • Supervise necropsy refrigerator and freezer cleaning and maintenance
  • Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with criminal cases. Ensure team members do the same

Additional Information:

We encourage a candidate who demonstrates outstanding inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team environment or independently, with a high degree of integrity and accountability. This position welcomes a candidate with a sense of humor that can balance flexibility and enthusiasm and thrives on detail!

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

  • The target hiring range for this role is $85,000 - $90,000 annually

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications:

Ability to develop and implement animal care programs, Effective communication and teamwork skills, Excellent communication skills and proven ability to multi-task, Experienced with Salesforce database software, Fear Free® Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire, Knowledge of or interest in learning veterinary medical, medical, law enforcement agency or forensic laboratory protocols and processes, Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history, Strong computer skills including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

  

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

Bachelors (Required)

  

Experience working directly with animals strongly preferred, Minimum of 1+ year experience managing direct staff, Minimum of 3 years professional experience required, administrative and managerial experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or law enforcement agency preferred

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.