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NASSAU COUNTYTitle:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (BIOLOGY/DNA)
Code:630356 2RQ
CLASS SPECIFICATIONPage:1 of 3

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is the third level of the Forensic Scientist (Biology/DNA) series. The work involves responsibility for collecting and analyzing unknown substances and evidentiary material using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other related techniques. This position differs from Forensic Scientist II (Biology/DNA) by virtue of the incumbents' ability to handle more complex examinations and cases, and increased independence. Incumbents in this class may be required to serve as Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) administrator. 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.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES


TYPICAL DUTIES
1.
Performs complex qualitative and physical analyses involving chemical, microscopic comparison, photography, DNA extraction and amplification, electrophoresis, PCR, computer and statistical analysis and other related techniques on evidence.
2.
Performs complex biological fluid analysis and forensic DNA comparisons on evidentiary materials and known biological samples.
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 examinations and the documentation and collection of evidence.
12. May review case files, reports and findings of Forensic Scientists I or II (Biology/DNA) for accuracy and completeness.
13.May supervise, train or oversee training of 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.
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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (BIOLOGY/DNA)
Code:630356 2RQ
Page:2 of 2

If serving as CODIS Administrator:
1.Administers the laboratory's local CODIS network, and assures that security and quality of data stored in CODIS is in accordance with state/federal law and NDIS operational procedures.
2.
Schedules and documents CODIS computer training of casework analysts.

*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics as they relate to the fields of DNA analysis, biological fluid analysis and forensic science.
2.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, instruments, and methods used in biological and DNA analysis as applied to the collection and analysis of biological samples and criminal evidence.
3.
Thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques, analysis, equipment and procedures, including electrophoresis, DNA extraction and amplification, and microscopic comparison.
4.Thorough knowledge of the penal law and rules of evidence as they relate to the technical analysis and handling of evidence.
5.Thorough knowledge of current developments and trends in crime detection and investigative techniques.
6.Skill in the use of laboratory equipment related to biological and DNA analysis.
7.Skill in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to biological and DNA analysis.
8.Ability to apply scientific procedures, methodology and formulas to assigned work.
9.Ability to analyze and evaluate information and observations, and to arrive at and construct logical and sound conclusions.
10.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.
11.Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory equipment.
12.Ability to manage data base records and maintain accurate records.
13.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
14.Ability to prepare and deliver legal testimony accurately and be cross-examined and remain composed in court.
15.Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
16.Good judgment.
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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III (BIOLOGY/DNA)
Code:630356 2RQ
Page:3 of 3

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 nine (9) credit hours in coursework consisting of statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology as primary content*; and three (3) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory performing biological and DNA analysis;
OR
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 nine (9) credit hours in coursework consisting of statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as primary content*, and four (4) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory performing biological and DNA analysis;
OR
3.An equivalent combination of training and experience that is defined by the limits of (1) and (2) above.

*Statistics/population genetics, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology must be the primary component of the classes or courses; coursework completed with titles other than those listed may demonstrate compliance through submission of a student transcript, letter from a university professor verifying course content, or a course syllabus. The DNA training program previously offered by the FBI Laboratory, with graduate credit hours from the University of Virginia, may be applied toward the molecular biology coursework requirement associated with this standard. Statistics/population genetics training or coursework may be satisfied through internal or external mechanisms.
NOTE:Incumbents must pass a competency test prior to assuming casework responsibility and must pass two (2) proficiency tests annually in accordance with accreditation requirements.

Eight (8) hours of continuing education and training annually is required as condition of employment; additional training and education may be required.

If serving as CODIS Administrator:
Completion of FBI sponsored auditor training is required within one year of appointment; completion of FBI sponsored CODIS software training is required within six (6) months of appointment.


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