Forensic Scientist I-III, Seized Drugs

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with our agencies and other customers regarding sensitive information related to the offense and/or analyses being done.
2. Learns how to use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for purposes of evidentiary documentation, chain of custody, analysis, and other metrics within the laboratory.
3. Learns how to prepare reports concerning the preliminary and final results of each analyses performed.
4. Learns how to represent the discipline and the results of analysis in testimony and may serve as an expert witness in court.
5. Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with the agency leave and attendance policies
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Forensic Scientist I, Seized Drugs

7. Receives instruction on the operating of complex analytical instrumentation used in the analysis of seized drug evidence.
8. Reads required training materials and demonstrates understanding of procedures through analysis of competency test samples provided.
9. Learns and performs analysis of suspected seized drug materials.
10. Learns theory behind clandestine drug manufacturing processes and how to properly test evidence.
11. Maintains awareness of current research within the seized drug discipline.

Forensic Scientist II, Seized Drugs

12. Operates complex analytical instrumentation used in the analysis of controlled substances.
13. Performs analysis of plant substance and other drug-containing materials.
14. Completes technical review proficiency tests as required.
15. Maintains awareness of current research within the seized drugs discipline.

Forensic Scientist III, Seized Drugs

16. Receives and returns evidence items and completes proper forms according to strict transfer procedures to guarantee and maintain the integrity of accepted chain of evidence for each item or handles individual characteristic database samples following relevant procedures.
17. Contacts various law enforcement officials, and others to obtain and/or provide information related to offense to which provided evidence items are relevant.
18. Prepares preliminary and/or final reports concerning results of each analysis performed.
19. Serves as an expert witness in court.
20. Researches forensic science field and studies current material in scientific journals regarding new advances and techniques in forensic examinations.
21. Lectures to or instructs law enforcement groups, schools, and others at the discretion of, or, in absence of supervisor.
22. Represents the Department at conferences and meetings.
23. Maintains professional contact with nationwide forensic examiners.
24. Performs more exacting and intricate examinations in most difficult cases and assists and teaches other examiners in the more difficult examinations.

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

Requirements

Education-

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, chemical engineering or forensic science including a minimum of sixteen-semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework above general coursework.

Experience

• Forensic Scientist I, Seized Drugs - None.
• Forensic Scientist II, Seized Drugs - A minimum of one (1) year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.
• Forensic Scientist III, Seized Drugs - A minimum of three (3) years’ of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or the equivalent work experience in an accredited crime laboratory in the same forensic discipline. Documented completion of the training program.

Licensure and/or Certification

• Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
• Must have a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure

Regulatory Knowledge –

• Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures.

Forensic Science –

• Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline; of understanding of identification principles.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals; of proper evidence handling procedures.
• Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials.
• Ability to:
• Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections;
• Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management;
• Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise and effective manner;
• Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant;
• Conduct testing used in examination of evidence
• Testify in court as an expert witness.

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