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NASSAU COUNTYTitle:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (CHEMISTRY/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE)
Code:630354 2RO
CLASS SPECIFICATIONPage:1 of 3

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is the third level of the Forensic Scientist (Chemistry/Controlled Substance) series. The work involves responsibility for conducting laboratory tests and procedures for the examination and analysis of controlled substances or chemicals gathered as evidence. This position differs from Forensic Scientist II (Chemistry/Controlled Substance) by virtue of the incumbents' ability to handle more complex examinations and cases, and increased independence. All work performed by incumbents in this class is performed under direct supervision from higher level employees in this series. General supervision is received from the Director of Laboratories; performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES
1.
Performs complex chemical, physiochemical and microscopic examinations and analysis of liquids, tablets, powders and other evidence for identification and comparison.
2.
Analyzes and performs complex examinations on evidence to detect and quantify drugs, narcotics, poisons, or other controlled substances using instrumental, chemical, microscopic or photographic techniques, including (but not limited to) thin-layer, gas and liquid chromatography, mass and atomic absorption spectrometry, flourometry, and ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectrophotometry.
3.
Meets with attorneys, investigators and other related personnel regarding approaches to analysis and results in pretrial conferences.
4.
Participates in scientific meetings, seminars, and other training as assigned.
5.
Interprets test results, keeps records of observations and notes, and issues reports of test results.
6.
Testifies in court regarding laboratory analyses and the significance of the results as required.
7.
Performs housekeeping tasks as required, including maintaining laboratory supplies and reference materials.
8.Responsible for the inventory, maintenance, storage, and disposition of evidence.
9.Assists in conducting research, method development, and validation of new technical procedures.
10.
Participates in internal and external proficiency testing programs.
11.May respond to crime scenes and assist in field examination and the documentation and collection of evidence.
12.May review case files, reports and findings of Forensic Scientists I or II (Chemistry/Controlled Substance) for accuracy and completeness.
13.May train or oversee training for subordinate laboratory personnel.
14.May administer internal proficiency testing, evaluate results and recommend training to improve the quality of laboratory staff.
15.May investigate technical problems and propose remedial action.
16.
May maintain and update quality manual.

*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (CHEMISTRY/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE)
Code:630354 2RO
Page:2 of 3

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Thorough knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry as it applies to the field of forensic science.
2.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, instruments, and methods used in chemical and drug analysis as applied to the collection and analysis of criminal evidence.
3.
Thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques, analysis and procedures, including various types of spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrometry, and spectrophotometry.
4.Thorough knowledge in the use of standard laboratory equipment, including microscopes, spectrophotometers, spectrographs, chromatographs and computer-based data systems.
5.Thorough knowledge of the penal law and rules of evidence as they relate to the technical analysis and handling of evidence.
6.Thorough knowledge of current developments and trends in crime detection and investigative techniques.
7.Skill in the use of laboratory equipment related to chemical analysis.
8.Skill in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to chemical analysis.
9.Ability to apply scientific procedures, methodology, and formulas to assigned work.
10.Ability to analyze and evaluate information and observations, and to arrive at and construct logical and sound conclusions.
11.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.
12.Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory equipment.
13.Ability to manage data base records and maintain accurate records.
14.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
15.Ability to prepare and deliver legal testimony accurately and be cross-examined and remain composed in court.
16.Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
17.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, or criminalistics including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) credit hours in chemistry at the graduate or undergraduate level, and three (3) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory conducting chemical analysis;
OR



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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (CHEMISTRY/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE)
Code:630354 2RO
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, or criminalistics including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) credit hours in chemistry, and four (4) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory conducting chemical 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
575/09
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