FORENSIC CHEMIST III (TOXICOLOGY)
22187
(Non-Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for chemical tests and analyses in the evaluation of physical evidence. Under the technical supervision of the Toxicologist, Center for Forensic Science, with administrative direction from the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class performs chemical examinations of blood, tissue and body organs to detect presence and nature of toxic substances. The Forensic Chemist III is distinguished from the Forensic Chemist I and II by its responsibility for providing guidance, training and technical assistance to less experienced chemists and by performing the more technical and complex procedures required in scientific analysis of physical 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 sets up, operates and maintains a variety of scientific instruments in performing chemical analyses. Does related work as required.
Validation and performance of specialized testing procedures for the analysis of various drugs in biological specimens.
Certifies data for DWI, probation urine drug screen and forensic toxicology analysis.
Sets up, operates, maintains and trains others in the use of scientific instruments used in analyses, such as infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometers, liquid and gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers and related computer equipment for instrumental analysis of various materials.
Determines methods of analysis to be applied by Forensic Chemists I and II and supervises the technical 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.
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.
Assists in the development of standard operating procedures for the Toxicology Section.
Attends scientific meetings, conferences and seminars designed to foster and increase technical skills.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Good knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry and biological science as applied to forensic science.
Good knowledge of principles and practices of instrumental analysis.
Good 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.
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, medical technology, toxicology, 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 (Toxicology).
NOTES:
Education may be substituted for experience as follows:
A Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in a natural science, forensic science, medical technology, toxicology, 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