FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (TRACE EVIDENCE) 2289
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 Trace Evidence
section of the crime laboratory. The incumbent coordinates and participates in
the performance of highly complex technical analyses in the Trace Evidence
section. The work involves the use and maintenance of highly sophisticated
laboratory equipment. The incumbent is expected to perform the most complex
examinations in the section, sub-unit, discipline, or area of specialized responsibilities,
and may assist the section supervisor in maintaining the section as close to
"State of the Art" as possible. 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 and/or section supervisor
through conferences, case review and established laboratory procedures. May act
as a crime scene team leader. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Supervises and/or conducts complex laboratory tests
of paint and glass, hairs, fibers and other trace evidence requiring the
utilization of sophisticated laboratory equipment;
Supervises
and/or conducts examinations of tire and footwear comparisons;
May
supervise and assign duties to subordinate laboratory staff;
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”);
May
supervise and/or participate in section quality assurance activities and/or
proficiency testing;
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;
May
receive, store, and release evidence;
May
conduct collision reconstruction analyses of motor vehicle collisions;
May
assist in the selection and purchase of scientific instruments and assists in
maintaining inventory of chemicals and materials;
Gives
testimony at a variety of legal proceedings regarding findings and
observations;
Consults
with administrative supervisor(s) regarding budgetary requirements, training,
and quality assurance practices.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of conventional, polarizing,
and comparative microscopy; comprehensive knowledge of analytical chemistry as
applied to the analysis of trace evidence; comprehensive knowledge of wet
casting and photographic techniques used in the analysis of physical evidence;
comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment;
comprehensive knowledge of penal laws and rules of evidence as they relate to
the analysis of trace 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
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 five (5) years of professional
experience* in the analysis of trace evidence; 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 six (6) years of professional experience* in the analysis of
trace evidence.
NOTE: *Professional experience is
defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of
evidence or specimens, and includes the signing and issuing of 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 (Trace Evidence).
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