Job description

The Position

Incumbent works under the direction of the Forensic Services Assistant Laboratory Director or designee performing a full range of qualitative and quantitative analyses of evidence within their authorized area(s) of expertise (e.g. Drug Chemistry, Fire Debris, Blood Alcohol), interpreting results and forming conclusions.

Essential Functions

• Perform the full range of qualitative and quantitative analyses using traditional and contemporary instrument analysis in adherence to approved laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Perform and ensure activities performed according to department and applicable accreditation standards.
• Operate and maintain various analytical instruments including, but not limited to, gas chromatography, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectrophotometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, flame ionization detection, and other equipment as needed.
• Perform technical and administrative reviews.
• Develop conclusions from the scientific analysis of evidence.
• Prepare written technical reports documenting scientific analysis of the evidence.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service rules, collective bargaining agreements, Douglas County Sheriff Office (DCSO) and Forensic Science Bureau (FSB) policies and procedures, County policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful, and quality work environment.
• Appear in court and testify as an expert witness in qualified area(s).
• Prepare exhibits for courtroom use.
• Properly utilize personal protective equipment and keep all work areas clean and free of contamination.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment and supplies; verify laboratory equipment is calibrated and functioning properly; provide regular equipment maintenance and minor repairs; and keep maintenance, calibration and repair records.
• Participate in cleaning and decontaminating the FSB facilities utilized by the Chemistry Division.
• Maintain job knowledge and skills (e.g. training, seminars, webinars, conferences).
• Complete assigned training program, competency/proficiency tests, and supervised casework.
• Participate in validation studies, as requested.
• Conduct selected quality control checks and documentation according to established technical procedures and in conformance with the Unit Technical Manual.
• Provide input and propose corrections and improvements to the FSB quality system.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Report to work at assigned location with regular, and consistent attendance.

Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or biochemistry, with completion of chemistry coursework including lecture and associated laboratory in General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II required.
• Course work in statistics preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon and maintained throughout employment required.
• Complete successfully an extensive training program, associated competency tests, and supervised casework within 18 months of hire required.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal records check, conditional offer drug screen and physical assessment required.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is generally performed in a laboratory facility during standard day-shift hours; however, schedule will vary (e.g. days, hours, overtime/additional hours, weekends, holidays, 24x7 call-ins). Work involves exposure to weapons, mechanical/electrical hazards and biohazards. Work requires close attention to safety protocols. Work may be stressful due to evidence involving human remains, sexual assaults, child abuse or neglect, irate/uncooperative individuals, multiple/changing priorities, time constraints and limited resources.
• Work requires some physical activity, including extended periods of sitting, standing, frequent walking, reaching, carrying, and occasional climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling and stooping. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Incumbents must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.23 - $34.05 per hour

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