SENIOR FORENSIC CHEMIST (CRIMINALISTICS)
22175
(Non-Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for supervising the staff and technical aspects of the forensic chemistry and possibly other sections of the Center. Under the general direction of the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class is responsible for supervising, training, and performing work varying in complexity and responsibility in the area of forensic chemistry. The work is performed in accordance with Federal and State accreditation requirements and departmental procedure manuals and guidelines. Supervision is exercised over personnel within the Criminalistics section. Does related work as required.
Supervises and assigns work to personnel within the section.
Conducts complex scientific analysis of evidentiary material relating to its chemical analyses inclusive of identity, quantity and comparison of physical evidence.
Interprets laws as related to forensic testing.
Performs technical peer review of casework in appropriate discipline.
Responsible for analyzing productivity and making recommendations regarding staffing levels and resource allocation.
Performs administrative review of casework.
Performs quality control and quality audit related tasks including internal, external and/or blind proficiency tests; assists in the review and preparation of proficiency tests.
Develops/directs development of new laboratory methods and procedures used within the section.
Directs the training of new examiners.
Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding laboratory analysis and the significance of results.
Researches technical journals, textbooks, chemical manuals and other source material to determine the best methods of performing analytical testing and to remain abreast of scientific trends.
Collects and/or supervises the collection of evidence on-site or at the laboratory.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Thorough knowledge of the theory, procedures and techniques necessary to produce reliable results and conclusions relative to scientific research and specific to the areas of forensic science.
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry as applied to forensic science.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of performing scientific testing and analyses of unknown substances and evidentiary material required in scientific criminal and civil investigations and in autopsies.
Ability to interpret laboratory analysis techniques, procedures and theories in a clear and concise manner so that the non‑scientist may understand the significance of the results obtained utilizing these procedures.
Ability to supervise professional laboratory staff.
Ability to record, organize, analyze and present data with scientific accuracy and thoroughness.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours (graduate/undergraduate) in chemistry, and six (6) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a forensic examiner in the discipline of forensic chemistry.
NOTES:
Education may be substituted for experience as follows:
A Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree (PhD) in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or a closely related field can be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience. .
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.
2/2009 Date Revised