FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (FIREARMS) 2294

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for the administrative supervision, and may be responsible for the technical supervision, of the Firearms section of the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory. The incumbent is responsible for the overall operations of the section, and for evaluating all methods used in the section. May be expected to perform the most complex scientific analyses in the section. Supervision is exercised over all employees working in the section. The incumbent is responsible for facilitating training, quality assurance and proficiency testing within their section. May participate in crime scene investigations or act as a crime scene team leader. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervises the technical and administrative operations of the Firearms section of the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory;

Supervises and/or conducts examinations performed in the section;

Supervises all aspects of the section's quality assurance and quality control program;

Assigns and reviews signed reports of analyses performed;

Evaluates and validates all new methods used in the section;

Provides guidance in the development of techniques and procedures used;

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

Supervises the section's internal and external proficiency testing programs;

Assists administrative supervisor(s) in budget preparation.

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”);

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of modern, full service Crime Laboratory operations in the Firearms specialty, including laboratory techniques, methods and instrumentation; comprehensive knowledge of trends, developments and literature in the field of forensic science; comprehensive knowledge of statistical methods used in evaluating scientific data; the ability to prepare accurate and concise scientific reports; the ability to train, supervise and evaluate the work of professional, technical and clerical personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, State and local agencies and with the general public; 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 seven (7) years of professional* experience in forensic examination including two (2) years of supervisory** experience; 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 eight (8) years of professional* experience in forensic examination including two (2) years of supervisory** experience; or,

c) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and nine (9) years of professional* experience in forensic firearms examination including two (2) years of supervisory** experience.

NOTES: Additional related graduate education beyond the Master's Degree may be substituted for the non-supervisory experience at the rate of twenty-four (24) credits for one (1) year experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

*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 fourteen (14) years.

**Supervisory experience is defined as supervision of professional or technical personnel.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Forensic Scientist III (Firearms).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in the title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

R 5/10/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive