Job Overview
Performs chemical analysis procedures in a forensic laboratory.
Core Competencies
- Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provides the highest standards of service.
- Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establish trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
- Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
- Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
Tier 1
Pay Band: Paraprofessional
Pay Grade: CAD-Professional 4
Duties and Responsibilities
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.
- Analyzes post-mortem fluids and tissues for the identity and quantity of any drugs, poisons or other relevant chemicals and their metabolites that can be present in the body.
- Summarizes results and prepares toxicology reports.
- Assists in the development and implementation of new and improved procedures for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- May be required to offer testimony as an expert witness on forensic laboratory procedures and the interpretation of test results.
- Assists in calibrating laboratory instruments, inventorying laboratory equipment, evidence control and records maintenance.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Job Specifications
- Knowledge of safety procedures in the handling of specimens which may be biohazardous.
- Knowledge of chemical analysis.
- Knowledge of forensic laboratory test methods, techniques, quality control, instruments and equipment.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the Medical Examiner's Office.
- Knowledge of procedures in the handling, packaging and the preserving of evidence.
- Skill in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment such as computer aided gas chromatograph, mass spectrometers, and high-performance liquid chromatograph and immunoassay readers.
- Skill in the analysis and interpretation of forensic tests results.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to prepare and maintain technical reports.
- Ability to use a computer and related software.
Physical Requirements
- Work is typically completed in a laboratory environment.
- Requires standing for long periods of time.
Work Category
- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Minimum Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, Clinical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Forensic Science; and possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Emergency Management Responsibilities
In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during, or after the emergency/disaster.
Additional Job Requirements
A department, depending on the nature of its mission and operations, may require employees in all or certain positions in this job classification:
- Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include, but are not limited to:
- Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
- Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes)
- Child Abuse, Abandonment, and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)
- Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Possess the necessary job-related license(s) or certification(s) that may include possession of a Florida Driver's License (Class E).
Career Progression
Employees in this classification that acquire the competencies and minimum qualifications for the next tier will be able to apply for promotional opportunities through a competitive selection process. Employees will not automatically be upgraded to the next tier.
