Forensic Scientist Trainee/I (Toxicology/Forensic Alcohol)

Duties

Forensic Scientist Trainee

• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Learns how to identify, and analyze items of forensic importance;
• Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
• Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of custody and evidence handling procedures;
• Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
• Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in a forensic discipline; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Forensic Scientist I

• Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform assigned analysis of evidence in forensic science;
• Identifies, and analyzes items of forensic importance;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Interacts with law enforcement personnel to obtain information about evidence and cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
• May attend crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

• Forensic Scientist Trainee: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.
• Forensic Scientist I: One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Verification of the required college-level coursework is required. Verification consists of transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to Sheriff's Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. three (3) business days after the recruitment closes to continue in the process. You may attach a copy to your online application, or you may mail or deliver a copy to Sheriff's Human Resources Bureau, 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009-3700, Attn: Melissa Kurtz. If transcripts are not submitted, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process - no exceptions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• If the name on your college transcripts is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
• College transcripts from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.

DESIRED:

• Experience in Forensic Science
• Experience as an expert witness in Forensic Science
• Three (3) semester units or four and a half (4.5) quarters units of quantitative analysis.
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related field
• Experience with blood and breath alcohol test equipment, liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry, immunoassay equipment, Time-Of-Flight (TOF) MS, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, toxicology or forensic alcohol analysis
• Forensic laboratory quality assurance experience
• Experience creating Crystal Reports and/or writing macros
• Certification through:
• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)

Supplemental information:

• Work is performed in the forensic sciences laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Some (FST) to working (FS I) knowledge of: scientific methods and procedures; laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence; collecting and preserving physical evidence.
• Some (FST) to working (FS I) ability to: analyze, compare, and/or identify materials and interpret their significance in a court of law; compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes; research and present new analytical techniques; construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel; and others involved in the legal system.
• Some (FST) to working (FS I) skill in: operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments.

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