FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (TOXICOLOGY) 2260

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs chemical and physicochemical tests on tissues, body fluids and other specimens to determine the presence or absence of drugs and/or toxins. The work involves the use and routine maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment, such as an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, chromatographs and a mass spectrograph. The incumbent may be required to issue reports and give sworn testimony in legal proceedings, and his/her findings may be cited as a cause of death as determined by the Chief Medical Examiner. Employees may be assigned to a team which responds to crime scenes. Routine work is performed independently, but more complex assignments may be performed under direct supervision, depending on the level of difficulty. Work is reviewed by a technical and/or administrative supervisor through conferences and a review of reports issued. Supervision may be exercised over laboratory support staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Prepares tissues and body fluids for analysis by distillation, extraction or other processes;

Tests specimens for gases, volatile compounds, heavy metals, drugs and other substances using wet chemical and instrumental techniques such as gas, thin-layer and liquid chromatography, immunoassay, flourometry and infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectrophotometry;

May collect specimens at autopsies;

Prepares solutions, reagents and test kits;

May issue signed reports of test results;

Responds to crime scenes and participates in the documentation and collection of evidence from the scene;

May receive, store and release evidence;

Interprets test results and keeps records of observations;

Performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;

May testify at a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;

May supervise laboratory support staff;

May wash glassware and perform other housekeeping tasks.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of analytical chemistry and forensic toxicology; good knowledge of wet chemical methods used in the analysis of tissues, body fluids and related specimens; good knowledge of chromatography, spectrometry, spectrophotometry and other instrumental techniques used in the analysis of toxicological evidence; good knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex electronic laboratory equipment; ability to supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to make accurate observations and arrive at sound conclusions; patience; persistence; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the natural (chemistry, biology, physics) or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by at least sixteen (16) credits in chemistry, and two (2) years of professional experience* in toxicology.

*Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence or specimens, and may include signing and issuing reports.

NOTE: Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Depending upon assignment, possession of a professional license and registration, issued by the New York State Education Department, as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist will be required. Candidates must maintain the license/certification during employment in the assignment.

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R12/1/06

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15