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NASSAU COUNTYTitle:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (TOXICOLOGY)
Code:630362 2SC
CLASS SPECIFICATIONPage:1 of 3

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is the senior level of the Forensic Scientist (Toxicology) series. The work involves responsibility for conducting routine laboratory tests and procedures for the examination and analysis of blood, tissue and related evidence to detect the presence and nature of toxic substances. This position differs from Forensic Scientist III (Toxicology) in that the incumbents in this position exercise supervision, and establish policy and procedures for the unit. General supervision is received from the Director of Laboratories. In the Office of the Medical Examiner, this position will perform chemical tests to determine cause of death under direction of the Medical Examiner; performs related duties as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES
1.Manages and monitors all aspects of quality assurance for the unit.
2.Supervises and oversees all examinations conducted and all employees of the unit.
3.Reviews case files, reports and findings of Forensic Scientists (Toxicology).
4.Investigates technical problems and proposes remedial action.
5.Maintains and updates quality manual and procedures for the unit.
6.Conducts research, method development, and validation of new technical procedures, and oversees the implementation of these procedures
7.
Prepares tissues and body fluids for complex analysis by appropriate extraction or other processes.
8.
Analyzes and performs complex chemical, physical, microscopic and instrumental examinations of tissues, fluids and other evidence to detect and quantify gases, volatile compounds, heavy metals, drugs and other toxic substances using techniques such as (but not limited to) gas, thin-layer and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassay, flourometry, and infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectrophotometry.
9.
Meets with attorneys, investigators and other related personnel regarding approaches to analysis and results in pretrial conferences.
10.
Participates in public health preparedness activities, scientific meetings, seminars, and other training as assigned.
11.
Interprets test results, keeps records of observations and notes, and issues reports of test results.
12.Testifies in court regarding laboratory analyses and the significance of the results as required.
13.Performs housekeeping tasks as required, including maintaining laboratory supplies and reference materials.
14.Responsible for the inventory, maintenance, storage, and disposition of evidence.
15.Participates in internal and external proficiency testing programs.
16.May respond to crime scenes and assist in field examination and the documentation and collection of evidence.
17.May administer internal proficiency testing, evaluate results and recommend training to improve the quality of laboratory staff.

*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (TOXICOLOGY)
Code:630362 2SC
Page:2 of 3

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry as it applies to the field of forensic toxicology.
2.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, instruments, and methods used in chemical and toxic substance analysis as applied to the collection and analysis of biological samples and criminal evidence.
3.
Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory techniques, analysis and procedures, including various types of spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry.
4.
Comprehensive knowledge in the use of standard laboratory equipment, including microscopes, spectrophotometers, spectrographs, chromatographs, mass spectrometers and computer-based data systems.
5.Comprehensive knowledge of techniques used to isolate drugs/chemicals from biologic samples including liquid/liquid and solid phase extraction.
6.
Comprehensive knowledge of the penal law and rules of evidence as they relate to the technical analysis and handling of evidence.
7.
Working knowledge of current developments and trends in crime detection and investigative techniques.
8.
Skill in the use of laboratory equipment related to toxicological analysis.
9.
Skill in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to toxicological analysis.
10.
Ability to apply scientific procedures, methodology, and formulas to assigned work.
11.Ability to supervise others.
12.
Ability to analyze and evaluate information and observations, and to arrive at and construct logical and sound conclusions.
13.
Ability to explain laboratory analysis techniques, procedures and theories in a clear and concise manner so that non-scientists may understand the significance of the results obtained using these procedures.
14.
Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory equipment.
15.
Ability to manage data base records and maintain accurate records.
16.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
17.Ability to prepare and deliver legal testimony accurately and be cross-examined and remain composed in court.
18.Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
19.Good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience
1.Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in a natural science, a forensic science, an engineering science, biomedical technology, pharmacology, criminalistics or toxicology, including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) credit hours in chemistry at the graduate or undergraduate level, and five (5) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory conducting toxicological analysis;
OR

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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (TOXICOLOGY)
Code:630362 2SC
Page:3 of 3

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Continued)
Training and Experience
2.Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science, a forensic science, an engineering science, biomedical technology, pharmacology, criminalistics or toxicology, including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) credit hours in chemistry, and six (6) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory conducting toxicological analysis;
OR
3.An equivalent combination of training and experience that is defined by the limits of (1) and (2) above.
NOTE:Incumbents must pass a competency test prior to assuming casework responsibility, and must pass a proficiency test annually, in accordance with accreditation requirements.

Additional continuing education and training may be required as condition of employment.

8/13/09
595/09
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