FORENSIC CHEMIST III (CRIMINALISTICS)
22176
(Non-Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for performing the more technical and complex procedures required in scientific analysis of physical evidence which may include the chemical analysis and identification of drugs and trace evidence. An employee in this class sets up, operates and maintains a variety of scientific instruments in performing chemical analyses. With administrative direction from the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class provides guidance, training and technical assistance to less experienced personnel. 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. The Forensic Chemist III may assist administrative supervisors in developing operating procedures, training programs for staff and user agency personnel, casework management and maintaining quality assurance programs. General supervision is received from the Senior Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics). Does related work as required.
Performs the more technical and complex procedures required in the scientific analysis of drugs inclusive of quantity of substance and unusual identifications or where timely identification is needed
Performs analysis and identification of trace evidence including hairs, fibers, glass and paints using a variety of scientific techniques and instruments.
Determines methods of analysis of debris from fires and explosions and performs technical and complex procedures in the scientific analysis of physical evidence gathered from the scenes of fires and explosions.
Sets up, operates, maintains and trains others in the use 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.
Determines methods of analysis to be applied by Forensic Chemists I and II and supervises the work through review of findings and standards of investigation.
Trains Forensic Chemists I and II in technical procedures, handling of evidence and preparation of material for court testimony; reviews and suggests improvements in court testimony of Forensic Chemists I and II
Reviews and sets scientific and forensic standards for written reports submitted by Forensic Chemists I and II.
Trains law enforcement personnel and others responsible for gathering evidence.
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 chemistry.
When requested, advises District Attorneys and investigators as to the best use of scientific findings and interpretations for use before courts of law.
Conducts research to develop new laboratory techniques and procedures.
Attends scientific meetings, conferences and seminars designed to foster and increase technical skills.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry as applied to forensic science.
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.
Thorough knowledge of the methodology applied in chemical analyses of physical evidence for use in crime detection.
Skill in the use of laboratory equipment and in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to instrumental analysis.
Ability to supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to apply accepted scientific procedures, methodology and formulas to work assignments.
Ability to analyze laboratory results.
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.
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 five (5) years of full time paid technical level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in a forensic laboratory performing work equivalent to a Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics).
NOTES:
Education may be substituted for experience as follows:
A Master’s Degree or a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) 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.
09/2012 Date Revised