Police Chemist

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Perform complex chemical analysis on submitted evidence using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, Spot Tests, and other laboratory equipment/techniques;
• Generate appropriate scientific documents and reports of analysis. Serve as an expert witness in the field of Drug Chemistry;
• Maintains responsibility/security for all evidence in his/her custody;
• Maintain and verify all chain of custody documents and coordinate the return/destruction of evidence;
• Assist with the evaluation, procurement, validation, repair, maintenance, and calibration of analytical instrumentation and complete all required documentation;
• Participate in various training programs related to the field of drug chemistry;
• Maintain extensive knowledge of the chemical properties and drug laws associated with controlled substances, pharmaceuticals, designer drugs, and appropriate methods of analysis;
• Develops methods and procedures for the effective and efficient analysis of drugs and other substances confiscated by Police Department officers and held as evidence in criminal cases;
• Assists with other criminal evidence analyses, including latent fingerprint comparisons;
• Prepares and submits accurate and complete reports on test findings;
• Provides court testimony as necessary;
• Performs general clerical work, including but not limited to copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Attends training, meetings, seminars, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry
• One (1) year of relevant prior experience
• Familiar with the operation and theoretical basis of the Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer (GC/MSD) and the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). Valid South Carolina Class D Driver’s License
• Must obtain SLED drug analysis certification within one (1) year of date of hire or promotion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions; or measurements, logarithmic or geometric construction. May use algebraic solutions of equations and inequalities; descriptive statistics; deductive geometry, plane and solid, and rectangular coordinates; mathematical classifications or schemes;
• Ability to plan or direct others in the sequence of major activities and reporting on operations and activities which are very broad in scope;
• Ability to supervise or lead others by determining work procedures, assigning duties, completing employee evaluations, maintaining harmonious relations and promoting efficiency;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as laboratory equipment and plant equipment;
• Ability to perform supervisory work involving policy and guidelines, solving both people- and work-related problems;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform professional-level work requiring the application of scientific, engineering, accounting or legal methods in the solution of technical, administrative or legal problems; requires extensive understanding of operating policies and procedures and ability to apply these to complex problems; or the coordination of sub professional work in these disciplines; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressures;
• Ability to take actions of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers, crime victims, patients, customers, clients or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine.

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