FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (Q.D.) 2268

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs examinations of electronically produced, handwritten, typewritten, printed and photocopied documents to determine their authenticity and/or origin. The work involves the use and routine maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. The incumbent may be required to issue reports and give sworn testimony in legal proceedings. The incumbent may be assigned to a team which responds to crime scenes. Routine work is performed with some independence, but more complex assignments may be performed under direct supervision, depending upon the level of difficulty. Work is reviewed by a technical or administrative supervisor through conferences and a review of reports issued. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs routine examinations of electronically produced, handwritten, typewritten, printed and photocopied materials to establish origin, authorship and/or authenticity;

Examines specimens under visible, ultraviolet or infrared light to discover occult markings or impressions, and examines documents for alterations;

Makes photographic enlargements and compares markings with exemplars;

Restores obliterated documents using chemical and physiochemical techniques, and performs chromatographic and chemical tests on ink, typewriter ribbons and related evidence;

Issues signed reports of test results;

May review reports of varying complexities for correct organization, structure, and format (“Administrative Review”);

May review reports of a level-appropriate complexity for validity of analyses performed (“Technical Review”);

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

Receives, stores and releases evidence;

Interprets test results and keeps records of observations;

Performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;

Testifies at a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;

Participates in quality assurance activities and proficiency testing;

May oversee the work of subordinate laboratory personnel;

May wash glassware and perform other housekeeping tasks.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the relevant photographic, illuminating and photo-reproductive techniques and devices; good knowledge of microscopy, photomicroscopy and chromatography as they are used in the analysis of questioned documents; good knowledge of the design and operation of various mechanical printing and lettering devices, such as typewriters and printing machines; 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 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

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 or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in chemistry, and one (1) year of professional experience* in the examination of questioned documents; or

b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the natural or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in chemistry, and two (2) years of professional experience* in the examination of questioned documents.

NOTE: *Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence in a crime laboratory, and may include signing and issuing reports. Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

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.

Candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

R 1/1/18

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive