FORENSIC CHEMIST II (Drug and Toxicology)

DEFINITION Under general supervision, performs a broad range of highly specialized and complex scientific laboratory analyses of physical evidence. Interprets test results and forms conclusions, prepares reports, testifies as an expert witness; and performs related duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This classification is distinguished as being at the journey level having responsibility for conducting the more complex laboratory tests and rendering accurate findings based on scientific examinations. Incumbents will specialize in specific forensic areas including drug identification, toxicology, blood alcohol, breath alcohol, and/or microscopic evidence analysis. Incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Documents evidence collection and scientific analysis steps and conclusions with specialized reports; prepares lab analysis and evidence impound reports; receives, packages, stores, and secures evidence; and maintains chain-of-custody and evidence integrity. 2. Determines proper scientific testing techniques and performs chemical, instrumental, microscopic, chromatographic, toxicological and comparative laboratory tests on various materials. 3. Complies with the requirements of American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD, ASCLD-LAB), Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG), American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT); and other governing bodies. 4. Isolates, separates, identifies and quantifies analytes from various matrices including, but not limited to solid dose samples and biological fluids. 5. Interprets and analyzes test results, prepares formal reports and affidavits, collects and reports statistical data. 6. Prepares a variety of chemical reagents, solutions, standards, and controls using standard forensic laboratory practices. 7. Operates specialized computer software and hardware. 8. Operates, calibrates, troubleshoots, and performs minor repair on laboratory instruments including, but not limited to, chromatographs, spectrophotometers, evidentiary breath instruments, and immunoassay instruments.

Forensic Chemist IIcontinued 9. Participates in complex crime scene investigations for specialized forensic processing. 10. Prepares court exhibits; provides expert testimony in Federal, State, and local courts. 11. Trains and certifies other employees and law enforcement personnel; provides consultation regarding investigative leads and analytical results. 12. Coordinates activities with those of other bureaus, divisions and outside agencies and organizations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and local law enforcement agencies. 13. Researches and stays current in new trends, technologies, techniques, and innovations in the field of forensic science; conducts research, and evaluates new procedures and methods; recommends new procedures and updates existing procedures. 14. Provides assistance to attorneys, legislators, and regulatory agencies. 15. Attends conferences and other professional meetings to gain information on technological changes in the field. 16. May assist with cleaning glassware and equipment; may perform custodial duties associated with a laboratory facility. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of: theoretical and analytical principles of natural and physical sciences including organic, inorganic, bio-chemistry and physical chemistry, biology, and other applicable fields and sub-disciplines; equipment and supplies used in a forensic chemistry and toxicological laboratory; evidence collection and preservation procedures; forensic laboratory testing procedures and methods; complex mathematical principles and statistics; safety precautions and practices; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; modern methods of classifying, indexing, filing, and preserving laboratory records and evidence; policies, procedures, rules and regulations governing a forensic laboratory; operational methods and techniques for use of forensic laboratory equipment and materials; and computer hardware and software used in a forensic laboratory. Good knowledge of: the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures guiding the work of the City of Henderson Police Department. Ability to: organize and prioritize work and analyze forensic evidence; communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material; take detailed notes 2

Forensic Chemist IIcontinued and document actions taken using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate effectively with individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and culturally diverse backgrounds; use initiative and independent judgment and solve problems within established procedural guidelines; use sound judgment in handling sensitive issues; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; follow written and verbal directions; maintain physical and mental condition necessary to perform all job functions; use proper procedures and standard laboratory rules and safety precautions regarding chemicals, toxins and biological substances; use common hand tools and various instrument maintenance tools to maintain, set up, and clean the laboratory instruments; maintain proficiency in correctly and safely operating laboratory equipment including an automated blood alcohol analysis system, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, and related equipment; maintain proficiency in operating office equipment such as computers and software, including programs and databases related to forensic processes and equipment. Willingness to wear protective equipment such as respirators, masks, gloves, footwear, clothing, and eyewear; trim facial hair to ensure proper fit of respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus; and comply with proper safety standards. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training, and Work Experience Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a Natural Science, Criminalistics, Toxicology, or a closely related field, including 24 semester hours of chemistry or analytical chemistry (graduate or undergraduate college level); and three (3) years of full-time practical experience working in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses. Experience must include court testimony as an expert witness and professional research. Desirable Qualifications Experience as a technical leader in a forensic laboratory. An advanced degree in a Natural Science, Criminalistics, Toxicology, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Full-time experience in an American Society of Crime Laboratory DirectorsLaboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) accredited forensic laboratory. Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists. Certified Forensic Toxicologist or Certified Forensic Toxicology Specialist from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT). 3

Forensic Chemist IIcontinued Certification(s) in drug chemistry or toxicology from other recognized and accepted forensic certifying organizations. Active membership and participation in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT), Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SFT), or similar recognized professional organization. Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certificates Must possess a valid drivers license from state of residence at time of appointment and maintain an excellent driving record. Must complete all applicable portions of the Criminalistics Bureau Forensic Chemist II Specialty Training Standard within one year of appointment as a condition of continued employment. Must successfully complete annual proficiency testing. Physical Requirements Vision sufficient to read rules, regulations, policies, procedures, legal documents, computer screens, and computer printouts; to see small objects through a microscope and to read chemical labels; normal color vision sufficient to distinguish color changes during tests and analysis. Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, over the telephone, and on the radio. Speech sufficient to make oneself heard in person, over the telephone, and on the radio. Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, at crime scenes, in the forensics laboratory and evidence vault, and safely operate police department vehicles. Dexterity sufficient to safely operate office equipment including computers and laboratory equipment. Strength sufficient to safely lift, move, and carry items of evidence, including large bundles or packages of drugs, laboratory equipment, and office supplies. Endurance sufficient to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods, bend from the waist for long periods of time, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

Work Environment Primary work environment is a climate-controlled laboratory and office setting; however, time may also be spent on the scene of various crimes and in hazardous conditions. Incumbents will be required to travel to and from court, crime scenes and other locations, including off-road conditions, in department vehicles. Incumbent will be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors and fumes, and hostile and combative individuals. Incumbent will have routine exposure to dangerous chemicals, acids, drugs, narcotics, flammable liquids, traces of explosives, bodily fluids, sources of possible disease, and 4

Forensic Chemist IIcontinued sharp objects requiring the use of various types of protective equipment and fuming hoods. Incumbent may be required to work overtime, evening, weekend, holiday shifts, call-back, and perform stand-by (on-call) duties. Incumbent must be willing to travel to various locations, including locations outside of the State of Nevada, to attend professional meetings and conferences, testify in court, or perform other duties as assigned.

Approved by City Council: September 19, 2006