FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (TOXICOLOGY)                                                 2283

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class provides technical and/or administrative supervision of one (or more) sections of the toxicology laboratory. The incumbent coordinates the performance of highly technical analyses of the toxicology section. The work involves the use of and maintenance of highly sophisticated laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, gas and liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers. The incumbent is expected to perform the more complex examinations and maintain the section as close to "State of the Art" as possible. Supervision is exercised over a professional, subprofessional and clerical staff, and is received from an administrative supervisor through conferences, case review and established laboratory procedures. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Supervises and/or conducts complex chemical and instrumental analyses on biologic tissues and fluids, or other evidence;

            Supervises and assigns duties to professional, subprofessional and clerical staff;

            Supervises section program of quality control and proficiency testing;

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

            May assist in the selection and purchase of scientific instruments and assist in maintaining inventory of chemicals and materials;

            Testifies and renders professional opinions in court based on laboratory studies;

            Consults with Chief-Toxicology Laboratory regarding budgetary requirements;

            May participate in scene investigations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry; thorough knowledge of instrumental techniques used in chemical analyses, such as luminescence analysis and various types of spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrometry and spectrophotometry; thorough knowledge of wet chemical tests for drugs and other toxic agents; thorough knowledge of penal and public health laws as they apply to 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

            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 four (4) years of professional experience* in forensic toxicology, at least two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory** capacity.

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

            **Supervisory experience is defined as experience involving the technical supervision of subordinate level professional scientists.

NOTES:  A Doctorate Degree in one of the natural or forensic sciences will be substituted for two (2) years of the non-supervisory experience.

              

 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 (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.

 

R12/1/06

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15