SENIOR FORENSIC CHEMIST

Code: 03339 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 the Chief Forensic Chemist or other supervisory official in a forensic chemistry laboratory, performs the more difficult work involved in the chemical analysis of various controlled substances submitted to the laboratory by police agencies for identification in connection with criminal investigations and prosecutions; may supervise the work performance of Forensic Chemists, Laboratory Technicians and other laboratory personnel; performs other related work as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts the more difficult chemical tests, examinations and analyses of evidence specimens and other materials.
• May assign and review the work of lower level technical staff responsible for the conduct of chemical tests, examinations and analyses.
• Trains or assists in the training of laboratory personnel.
• Receives, analyzes, and identifies by chemical, physical, and microchemical means the origin and nature of the substances and materials sent to the laboratory.
• Operates microscopes, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph and other analytical instruments and equipment using various technical procedures and methods for analysis of evidence.
• Performs physical tests, measurements and distance estimates.
• Prepares standardized and special chemical reagents.
• Conducts tests for toxicological determinations regarding the ingestion of poisons and/or lethal volumes.
• Takes measurements, photographs, distance apperceptions and comparisons of impact molds with tool marks.
• Cleans, organizes and makes minor adjustments and/or repairs to laboratory instruments, equipment and glassware.
• Provides guidance and assistance to Forensic Chemists, Laboratory Technicians and other laboratory staff; may supervise the performance of their work.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Prepares drawings and presentations to be used in court proceedings.
• Testifies as an expert witness concerning the results of laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of chemical, microchemical, instrumental and other laboratory examinations and analyses containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in the field of forensic chemistry.
• Conducts assigned research projects.
• 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 in one of the physical sciences which shall have included a minimum of 24 semester hour credits in chemistry.

Experience

Two (2) years 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 the 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 the preparation and content of laboratory reports concerning tests, examinations and analyses.
• Ability to take the lead in laboratory work.
• 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 tests, examinations, essays, and analyses.
• Ability to determine the origin and nature of materials and substances by conducting chemical, physical, and microchemical tests and analyses.
• Ability to conduct assigned research projects.
• Ability to conduct physical tests and measurements, take photographs, make distance appreciations and compare impact molds with tool marks.
• Ability to make legible drawings and prepare presentations for use in court proceedings.
• Ability testify as an expert witness in court proceedings concerning the results of laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Ability to provide assignments and instruction to subordinate staff and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of chemical, microchemical and other laboratory examinations, tests and analyses containing findings and conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare and maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, officer 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 experience.

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