FORENSIC CHEMIST I (CRIMINALISTICS)
22172
(Non-Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for performing chemical tests and analyses in the evaluation of physical evidence. Under the technical supervision of a senior level Forensic Chemist, with administrative direction from the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class performs technical, scientific work in the conduct of analytical and laboratory procedures utilized in crime detection, which may include the chemical analysis and identification of drugs and trace evidence. An employee in this class typically reduces conclusions and findings to writing in the form of reports and appears as an expert witness during litigation. An employee in this class operates a variety of scientific instruments in performing chemical analyses. General supervision is received from the Senior Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics). Does related work as required.
Performs chemical analyses of drugs, paint, glass, natural and synthetic fibers, soils, metals, hair, debris, and other items submitted as physical evidence to determine identity, quantity, and comparison of physical evidence.
May operates a variety of scientific instruments used in analyses, such as infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, thin layer chromatography apparatus, and microscopes, for instrumental analysis of various materials.
Composes technical reports to convey findings of chemical analyses inclusive of identity, quantity, and comparison of physical evidence.
Appears in court litigation as an expert witness regarding forensic analyses.
Attends scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars designed to foster and increase technical skills.
May assist senior Forensic Chemists in developing new laboratory techniques and procedures.
May assist senior Forensic Chemists in training criminal investigators in their utilization of laboratory services and evidence collection.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Good knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry applied to forensic science.
Good knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.
Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to instrumental analysis.
Ability to apply adopted scientific procedures, methodology, and formulas to work assignments.
Ability to express orally and in writing findings and conclusions of experimentation according to accepted scientific procedures.
Ability to differentiate colors.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees within the last ten years with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field which must have included a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours in chemistry.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:
Applicants will be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation which will include a fingerprint check to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.
07/2022 Date Revised