Chemist I

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out the Sheriff’s Mission and vision and adhere to the Office’s Core Values; Trust, Service, Community;
• Cultivates high morale and team culture within the Special Services Unit;’
• Performs all services at a high-level and is customer-service oriented;
• Analyzes drug specimens submitted to the crime laboratory;
• Analyzes urine/blood specimens for the presence of drugs and/or ethanol;
• Receives and logs into evidence submissions to the laboratory and places evidence into temporary storage area or refrigeration unit as proper for specific evidence;
• Performs technical and administrative review of cases submitted to finalize the report of the results;
• Prepares, reviews, and signs reports and documents relating to cases;
• Enters and reports cases into computer database; performs computer searches in County database for case dispositions; performs other necessary job-related computer tasks;
• Collaborates with other government offices and law enforcement agencies in order to exchange information and coordinate activities; testifies for criminal court and grand jury hearings as an expert witness relating to the cases received by the laboratory;
• Files, sorts, and organizes evidence in the laboratory and drug evidence vault and carries responsibility for drug and toxicology evidence care, custody, and control;
• Prepares court orders for disposal of evidence after final disposition; prepares evidence for destruction; and records the completion of the destruction process;
• Performs quality control functions related to analysis;
• Transports evidence, such as, but not limited to, controlled substances, to court or transports for other purposes;
• Works on multiple forensic science disciplines and related cross training and licensure;
• Maintains proper safety protocols in the laboratory in relation to handling chemical hazards, pressurized gases, biohazard risks, stick hazards present when handling syringes, risks associated with handling unknown substances (such as fentanyl) and performs laboratory equipment maintenance to ensure a safe working order; calibrates equipment and validates instruments; maintains a safe and clean laboratory work space and environment;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION, REQUIREMENTS, AND TRAINING:

• The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below. The County reserves the right to allow substitutions in the event that a candidate or incumbent exceeds requirements in one area but may be deficient in another.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Texas Forensic Science Commission as a Forensic Analyst;
• Valid Texas Driver’s License

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!