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POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the general supervision of the Laboratory Director of the Drugs of Abuse Laboratory, or designee performs accurate chemical analysis of evidence submitted by Law Enforcement Agencies while maintaining chain of custody. This is the second level professional classification in this series. Incumbents apply basic principles, practices and techniques to the work performed.  At this level, incumbents seek guidance and advice from more experienced colleagues, and focus on utilizing the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience acquired at the entry-level to perform more independently and participate in work of higher complexity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

In addition to the responsibilities performed by Forensic chemist level I, incumbents apply the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired at the entry-level to perform the following:

• Contributes to validation of procedures, processes, materials and instruments used for evidence analysis and casework by participating in validation studies as directed.
• Provides testimony as an expert witness in court to defend the findings of a test examination or analysis, provide opinions on test results/examinations, demonstrate scientific procedures, and explain test procedures and other job-related functions.
• Provide technical advice in laboratory settings to law enforcement and/or legal personnel on immediate measures to be taken in obtaining and handling physical evidence.
• Maintain the chain of custody for all evidence handled by adhering to laboratory protocols for receiving, packaging, returning and documenting contact with case-related items and materials.
• Conduct administrative and technical review of casework after successfully completing all training necessary to conduct such reviews.
• Performs and documents simple routine maintenance of laboratory equipment under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An incumbent of the Forensic Chemist I classification may advance to the Forensic Chemist II classification upon completion of 1 year of employment as a Forensic Chemist I within the laboratory, provided that the incumbent has successfully completed all formal, entry-level on-the-job training requirements as determined by the Laboratory Director and has attained full competence as a forensic analyst in seized drug analysis within one year of the date of hire as a Forensic Chemist I.
• Applicants must have a Bachelors degree or higher in a natural science, including Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science and (A) at least 1 year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a bench chemist or forensic chemist in a crime laboratory or comparable setting and (B) full competence as a forensic analyst within an accredited laboratory in a relevant forensic science specialization.

In addition to possessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for Forensic Chemist level I, incumbents are required to have the following at the time of hire:

• Knowledge of scientific methods and the theory and practice of chemical analysis
• Knowledge of the techniques for handling, preserving and tracking samples used in a laboratory to preserve the integrity of the samples for a presentation in a court of law.
• Knowledge of scientific working groups and their recommendations.
• Ability to prepare documents and reports of analytical findings for laboratory, law enforcement and legal personnel.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective oral and written presentations.
• Ability to examine and interpret evidence and to expedite assigned casework for review by higher level forensic Chemists.
• Ability to deliver credible and effective expert testimony for legal proceedings and to serve as an expert witness.
• Ability to provide technical advice and direction to less experienced forensic chemists, law enforcement and/or legal personnel.
• Documented completion of education required for qualification to perform work in forensic drug analysis discipline per the applicable accreditation standards.
• Oral and written communicative skills necessary for interaction with other employees aa well as outside agencies and customers
• 20/20 and color vision(corrected), good physical coordination and ability to move and lift moderately heavy objects.