FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (DRUG
CHEMISTRY) 2270
Under general supervision, an
employee in this class performs chemical and physicochemical examinations of
liquids, tablets, powders, residues and plant material to establish the
presence or absence of drugs or other significant chemical agents. 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 that
responds to crime scenes. Routine work
is performed with some independence, 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. Does related work as
required.
Performs chemical,
physicochemical and microscopic examinations of liquids, tablets, powders and
other evidence;
Detects
and quantifies drugs and other substances using sophisticated laboratory
equipment and techniques;
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;
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;
Participates
in quality assurance activities and proficiency testing;
May oversee
the work of subordinate laboratory personnel;
May wash
glassware and perform other housekeeping tasks.
Good knowledge of the
principles and techniques of analytical chemistry; good knowledge of
instrumental techniques used in chemical analysis, such as luminescence
analysis and various types of spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrometry and
spectrophotometry; good knowledge of wet chemical and crystal tests for drugs
and other chemical agents; good knowledge of modern laboratory methods,
procedures and equipment; good knowledge of penal and public health laws as
they apply to chemical evidence; 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.
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 forensic toxicology or forensic chemistry; 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 forensic toxicology
or forensic chemistry.
NOTE: *Professional experience is
defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of
evidence or specimens, and may include signing and issuing reports. Qualifying experience must have been gained
within the last ten (10) years.
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