CHIEF-TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY 2835

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs administrative and supervisory duties in the operation of a full-service forensic toxicology laboratory. The incumbent plans, organizes and coordinates the activities of various sub-sections in the forensic toxicology laboratory in producing scientific findings for use as evidence by a variety of legal agencies. The employee is expected to display initiative and independence in developing programs to improve quality and response time of service to user agencies. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews final scientific reports with toxicology, drug abuse and DWI/DUID sub-section leaders to ensure their reliability and timeliness;

Recommends and participates in the establishment of policies relating to forensic toxicology laboratory interaction with user agencies, in consultation with Director of Division and his/her deputy(s);

Establishes and maintains liaison with local, state and federal agencies;

Directs activities of professional, technical and clerical staff through duty schedules and task assignments;

Develops and/or recommends programs for continuing education of forensic toxicology laboratory staff and user agents/agencies;

Designs and/or recommends and directs special projects and/or experiments in forensic toxicology; prepares and delivers reports on such projects at meetings or seminars;

Provides data input for budget preparation and assists in equipment selection;

Testifies in court or in other legal proceedings as an expert witness;

May conduct highly complex scientific studies in specialized areas of investigation using sophisticated techniques and instrumentation;

Acts as toxicology consultant to Health Services Department, Police Department, District Attorney and other county agencies.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of modern full service forensic toxicology laboratory operation, including laboratory techniques, methods and instrumentation; thorough knowledge of managerial operations and methods; thorough knowledge of trends, developments and literature in the field of forensic toxicology; good knowledge of rules of evidence and rules and regulations promulgated by regulatory agencies as they apply to forensic toxicology laboratory operations; ability to interpret scientifically derived data and prepare accurate and concise reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to direct activities of professional, technical and clerical personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state and local agencies and with the general public; tact; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Medical Degree or a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in toxicology, forensic science, pharmacology, chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry and possession of a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) for Laboratory Director in the sub-specialty of Forensic Toxicology granted by the NYS Department of Health, and (4) years of experience in a forensic toxicology laboratory, (2) years of which must have been in a managerial capacity.

R02/03/03

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive