FORENSIC CHEMIST I (TOXICOLOGY)
22183
(Non-Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for performing chemical tests and analyses in the evaluation of physical evidence. Under the technical supervision of the Toxicologist, with administrative direction from Medical Examiner, Onondaga County Department of Health, Center for Forensic Sciences, 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 examinations of blood, tissue and body organs to detect presence and nature of toxic substances. 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. Supervision of other personnel is typically not a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required.
Develops required analytical methods, documentation, quality control and laboratory reports; conducts research related to analysis.
Operates a variety of scientific instruments used in analyses, such as infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometers, gas and liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers and related computer equipment for instrumental analysis of various materials.
Certifies data for DWI, probation urine drug screens and forensic toxicology analysis
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.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry and biological science applied to forensic science.
Working 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.
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 (10) years with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, medical technology, toxicology, criminalistics or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours in chemistry and successful completion of an internship with a minimum of 100 hours in a Forensic Laboratory, or;
B. 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, medical technology, toxicology, criminalistics or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours in chemistry and employment in a technical position in a Forensic Laboratory for six (6) months within the last five (5) years.
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.
5/2011 Date Revised