Forensic Laboratory Technician (Chemistry)

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

The Forensic Laboratory Technician performs forensic laboratory analyses of physical evidence, investigate crime scenes, perform evidence custodial duties, and testify in court as an expert witness on the subjects of forensic analyses and crime scene investigation.

Requirements

Knowledge of

• basic principles and practices of chemistry related to analytical laboratory work
• laboratory equipment, procedures, and techniques
• organic, inorganic, quantitative, and qualitative chemistry
• laboratory safety procedures

Ability to

• perform routine repetitive laboratory tests
• operate and maintain various laboratory equipment and analytical instruments
• operate and maintain standard office machines such as computer terminals with word processing/case management programs, printers, and bar coding equipment
• follow detailed technical instructions
• prepare standard solutions and chemical reagents
• keep accurate records
• write clear and concise reports regarding findings
• testify in court
• promote and enforce safe work practices and handling of hazardous substances
• adhere to established code of ethics
• handle exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of 60 semester/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university including 8 semester/12 quarter units of general chemistry.

General Requirements

• Driver’s License: Some positions in this class may require a valid California Driver (Class C) License prior to appointment. Failure to maintain a valid license may constitute cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Incumbents appointed to positions whose duties include the analysis of blood alcohol are required to obtain a Forensic Alcohol Analyst / Supervisor License issued by the State of California within one year of appointment date.
• Note: Failure to obtain and maintain the appropriate valid Forensic Alcohol Analyst / Supervisor License may constitute cause for personnel action, up to and including dismissal from the class, under applicable Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement.

Criminal History and Background Investigation:

• Candidates must pass a criminal history and background check, which may include contact of prior employers and personal references. Candidates will be fingerprinted through the California Department of Justice Live Scan process for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. A set of fingerprints is furnished to the California Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: All positions require incumbents to:

• Stand, walk, and/or sit for long periods of time, such as while conducting analysis in the laboratory or processing a crime scene
• Move with sufficient personal agility to collect and process evidence at a variety of crime scenes, such as clandestine drug laboratories, automobiles, trash bins, etc.
• Possess sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate and operate laboratory equipment
• Lift and transport items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as bags and/or boxes of evidence
• Visually distinguish color, shape, size, number, and picture resolution quality
• Withstand exposure to disagreeable elements such as extreme weather conditions, malodorous and/or decomposing samples, blood, bodily fluids, etc.

Competency / Proficiency Testing:

• Incumbents are required to successfully complete competency testing prior to beginning casework in a new core or sub-discipline.
• Incumbents are required to successfully complete annual Proficiency Testing as required by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD / LAB).

Equipment Used:

• Incumbents are required to safely operate the following equipment in the performance of duties:
• County-owned vehicles
• Laboratory equipment and tools, such as microscopes, centrifuges, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers, etc.
• Office equipment, such as telephones, copiers, and fax machines

Hours of Work

• Incumbents may be required to work irregular hours, holidays, and weekends at various locations as necessary.

Probationary Period

• The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

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