FORENSIC CHEMIST

Code: 01869 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 the direction of a Senior Forensic Chemist or other supervisory official in a forensic chemistry laboratory, performs work involving the chemical analysis of various controlled substances submitted to the laboratory by police agencies for identification in connection with criminal investigation and prosecutions; performs other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts tests to analyze and identify various unknown substances.
• Operates microscopes, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph and/or other analytical equipment and instruments using various technical procedures and methods for analysis of evidence.
• Performs toxicology screenings to identify substances that are likely to cause toxic symptoms.
• Performs physical tests, measurements, photographs and distance estimates.
• Compares impact molds with tool marks and reproduces them in pictures or drawings for use by the agency submitting the materials.
• Routinely cleans, organizes and makes minor adjustments and/or repairs to laboratory instruments, equipment and glassware.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness on the results of laboratory analyses, examinations, policies and procedures.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of chemical, microchemical, instrumental and other laboratory examinations and analyses containing findings and conclusions.
• Prepares detailed information and reports for presentations in courts by law enforcement agencies.
• Maintains essential laboratory records and files.
• 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 a physical science, which shall have included a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in chemistry.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in conducting various types of chemical tests, examinations and analyses in an analytical crime or forensic chemistry laboratory.

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 and supplies used in making chemical and related microscopic tests, essays, examinations and analyses.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, procedures and hazards.
• Knowledge of the preparation and content of laboratory reports concerning tests, examinations and analyses.
• Ability to organize assigned chemical and related laboratory work, analyze problems in the field of forensic chemistry and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to follow appropriate procedures while conducting specific tests, examinations, essays and analyses.
• Ability to safely and carefully utilize a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ability to conduct chemical, physical and microchemical tests and analyses to determine the origin and nature of various materials and substances.
• Ability to conduct physical tests and measurements, take photographs, make distance estimates and compare impact molds with tool marks.
• Ability to make legible drawings for use in court.
• Ability to prepare detailed information and reports in a form understandable to and usable for presentation in court by police analyses.
• Ability to act as an expert witness in court proceedings and give testimonies concerning results of laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of chemical, microchemical and other laboratory examinations, tests, and analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and 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 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 the one (1) year of required experience.

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