Toxicologist III

Duties

The Ideal Candidate will:

• Acts as a lead worker providing technical guidance and training to subordinate toxicologists.
• Assists the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Manager in scheduling laboratory personnel.
• Handles the most complex examinations and analyses.
• Evaluates all evidence submitted for analysis to determine if the quality and quantity is adequate for scientific testing, performs detailed and complex qualitative and quantitative evaluations of forensic, specimens to include blood, urine, tissue, vitreous and other biologic specimens, or physical evidence.
• Identifies confirms and quantitates levels of drugs and/or chemicals using a variety of laboratory and analytical procedures (e.g., GC, GC/MS, LC/MS, LC/MS/MS, etc.).
• Follow standard forensic toxicology and chemistry analytical procedures consistent with the Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures.
• Reviews and updates laboratory procedures at the direction of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Manager.
• Prepares reports on findings, including analytical calculations, and maintains an accurate and precise record of all work performed.
• Reviews, authorizes reports, and determinations and qualification on physiological specimens in accordance with specified methods and the analysis of testing performed from external reference laboratories.
• May testify in court to report laboratory findings and explain the theory, principles, and methods of analysis to support the laboratory findings and technical details.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Must be State of California of Public Health Title 17 proficient as a Forensic Alcohol Analyst within one year of hire, AND have,

1. Three (3) years of full-time experience as a Toxicologist II in the County of San Diego;
OR
2. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in chemistry, biochemistry, a physical or life science, or a closely related field, AND, five (5) years of professional, full-time experience performing toxicological examinations, two (2) years of which must be at the level of Toxicologist II as defined above.

• Note: A master's degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or related subject may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.

Certification/Registration

• Certification as California Forensic Alcohol Analyst or California Forensic Alcohol Analyst within one year of hire.

Condition of Employment

• As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

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