FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS) 2288

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs supervisory and technical work in conducting chemical and physico-chemical examinations of gases, liquids and solids suspected to contain hazardous substances and which have been illegally stored, transported or discharged. The analyses detect and determine the presence of corrosive, flammable, toxic, radioactive, mutagenic, suspected carcinogenic agents and other substances. The incumbent assigns and reviews the work of personnel, maintains proper work flow in the section and issues or causes to be issued reports of analyses performed. The work includes giving expert testimony at a variety of legal proceedings, and requires the exercise of semi-independent judgment and initiative. The incumbent conducts and participates in research and development of hazardous materials technology and special investigations. Supervision is received from an administrative supervisor through conferences and review of reports issued. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Conducts and/or supervises chemical and physico-chemical examinations of gases, liquids and solids and other evidence;

Performs and/or supervises tests to detect and quantify corrosive, flammable, toxic, radioactive, mutagenic, suspected carcinogenic and other substances using techniques such as: gas and liquid chromatography; mass and atomic absorption spectrometry; alpha, beta, gamma scintillation and spectrometry; fluorometry; and ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectrophotometry;

Issues and/or reviews signed reports of work performed;

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

Trains personnel in the section and evaluates their performance;

Responds to crime scenes, evaluates such scenes and directs the collection and documentation of evidence therefrom;

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

Participates in and supervises external and internal proficiency testing programs;

Performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;

May receive, store and release evidence.

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 and radiochemical analysis, such as luminescence analysis, scintillation counting, and various types of spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrometry and spectrophotometry; thorough knowledge of test methods for hazardous, radioactive and toxic materials; good knowledge of the rules of evidence and public health laws as they apply to scientific 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

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the natural (chemistry, biology, physics), forensic or environmental sciences with a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits in chemistry, and six (6) years of professional experience* in the analysis of hazardous materials, 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 may include signing and issuing reports.

**Supervisory experience is defined as experience involving the technical supervision of professional and subprofessional personnel.

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FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS) 2288

NOTES: Graduate education in chemistry or environmental science will be substituted for non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, but not to exceed a total of two (2) years.

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 (Hazardous Materials).

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.

R12/14/98

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15