FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES) 2282

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class oversees the technical and/or administrative functions of one (or more) sub-units, disciplines, or areas of specialized responsibilities within the Biological Sciences section of the crime laboratory. The incumbent coordinates and participates in the performance of highly complex technical analyses in the Biological Sciences section. The work involves the use of and maintenance of highly sophisticated laboratory equipment. An employee in this class may be assigned specialized responsibilities in the section (such as acting as the Technical Leader or Casework CODIS Administrator) in accordance with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) standards and/or minimum qualifications. The work includes giving testimony at a variety of legal proceedings, and requires the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate laboratory staff and is received from an administrative or section supervisor through conferences and review of reports issued. May act as a crime scene team leader. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs and/or supervises DNA examinations of biological evidence;

Performs and/or supervises examinations of bloody or soiled clothing, bedding or other objects to establish the presence or absence of stains;

Conducts and/or supervises testing of stains, biological fluids and other specimens;

Issues signed reports of analyses performed;

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”);

Supervises and/or evaluates new methods of analysis in order to assist in keeping section at "State of the Art" levels;

May participate in crime scene investigations;

May act as a crime scene team leader in supervising staff at crime scene investigations, and directing the evaluation, collection, and documentation of evidence;

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

May supervise and/or participate in section quality assurance activities and/or proficiency testing;

May receive, store and release evidence;

Consults with administrative supervisor(s) regarding budgetary requirements, training, and quality assurance practices.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics as it applies to forensic biology; comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory methods used in forensic biology; comprehensive knowledge of rules of evidence and penal laws as they relate to forensic science investigations; 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 or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by three (3) credit hours in biochemistry, three (3) credit hours in genetics, three (3) credit hours in molecular biology, and three (3) credit hours in either statistics or population genetics, and five (5) years of professional experience* in forensic biology; 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 three (3) credit hours in biochemistry, three (3) credit hours in genetics, three (3) credit hours in molecular biology, and three (3) credit hours in either statistics or population genetics, and six (6) years of professional experience* in forensic biology.

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.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Forensic Scientist II (Biological Sciences).

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 3/11/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive