FORENSIC SCIENTIST II (TOXICOLOGY) 2261

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs complex technical work in the chemical and physico-chemical testing of post-mortem and ante-mortem tissues, body fluids and other specimens to determine the presence or absence of drugs and/or toxins. The incumbent assigns and reviews the work of support staff, maintains proper work flow in the section, ensures the reliability of test results, develops and evaluates methods used in the section, may participate in crime scene investigations and issue reports of analyses performed. The work includes giving expert testimony at a variety of legal proceedings, and requires the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision is received from a technical and/or administrative supervisor through conferences and a review of reports issued. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of tissues and body fluids for analysis by distillation, extraction or other processes;

Tests and/or supervises the testing of specimens for gasses, volatile compounds, heavy metals, drugs and other substances using wet chemical and instrumental techniques such as: gas, thin-layer and liquid chromatography, immuno-assay, fluorometry, and infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectophotometry;

May collect specimens at autopsies;

Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of solutions, reagents and test kits;

Issues and/or reviews signed reports of work performed;

Develops and evaluates techniques and procedures which might be useful in the section's work;

May participate in crime scene investigations;

Gives expert testimony at a variety of legal proceedings regarding findings and observations;

Performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;

May receive, store and release evidence.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of analytical chemistry and forensic toxicology; thorough knowledge of wet chemical methods used in the analysis of tissues, body fluids and related specimens; thorough knowledge of chromatography, spectrometry, spectrophotometry and other instrumental techniques used in the analysis of toxicological evidence; thorough knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment; thorough knowledge of penal laws as they apply to toxicological evidence; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to train, supervise and evaluate the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to make accurate observations and arrive at sound conclusions; ability to perform routine maintenance on complex electronic laboratory equipment; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; patience; persistence; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master'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 three (3) years of professional experience* in toxicology; or,

b) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university 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 four (4) years of professional experience* in toxicology.

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

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

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Forensic Scientist I (Toxicology).

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.

R12/28/07

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15