CHIEF FORENSIC CHEMIST

Code: 01131 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, directs the operations, research, activities and staff in a forensic chemistry laboratory; ensures the proper and timely completion of all laboratory examinations and analysis; performs other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises and administers the staff and technical analytical operations in a forensic chemistry laboratory.
• Supervises the receipt, storage and preservation of various laboratory specimens, evidence, tests and examinations.
• Determines analytical requirements in routing procedures for physical, optical, chemical, toxicological and serological examinations.
• Plans, directs and coordinates the preparation of exhibits to be used in court proceedings and appears as an expert witness in court.
• Prepares and presents lectures, seminars and instruction courses to law enforcement agencies and other groups.
• Recommends and directs the installation of laboratory practices and procedures.
• Oversees designated research tasks and participates in research relative to the forensic sciences.
• Ensures the safety, order and cleanliness of laboratory areas.
• Oversees the installation and implementation of new laboratory equipment.
• Responsible for the safe keeping of laboratory equipment, materials and supplies and sees that they are properly used and cared for.
• Prepares informative reports of examinations, tests and analyses containing findings and conclusions.
• Prepares budget requests for laboratory personnel, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Supervises the preparation and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Determines the need for court testimony in necessary cases.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or in one of the physical sciences which shall have included a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours in chemistry.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience in an analytic crime or forensic chemistry laboratory conducting various tests, examinations and analyses; two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity over professional staff.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, equipment and functions of forensic chemistry.
• Knowledge of the care and routine maintenance of standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of chemical laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment, media, reagents and supplies used to conduct chemical and related microscopic tests, reports, examinations and analyses.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, procedures and hazards.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the preparation and content of laboratory reports concerning tests, examinations and analyses.
• Knowledge of current research, developments and trends in the field of forensic science.
• Ability to direct laboratory operations, research, activities and staff.
• Ability to plan, schedule and assign work to employees.
• Ability to review results of tests, examinations and analyses made by laboratory staff.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with technical personnel and law enforcement officials.
• Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of laboratory correspondence and informative reports of chemical, microchemical and other laboratory examinations, tests and analyses containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to collect and organize data for use in court proceedings.
• Ability to act as an expert witness in court proceedings.
• Ability to supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Candidates who meet the above Bachelor's requirement may substitute a Master's in Forensic Science for one (1) year of nonsupervisory experience as depicted above.

A Master's degree in Chemistry may be substituted for the above education requirement and one (1) year of nonsupervisory experience.

A Doctorate degree in Chemistry or related physical science may be substituted for three (3) years of non-supervisory experience.