FORENSIC SCIENTIST I8136C3 Pay Grade: DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is on the job training work in a forensic science laboratory. Work involves learning to collect, preserve, and conduct scientific analysis of physical evidence in the investigation of misdemeanor and felony crime. Work involves learning and performing analytical, chemical, physical immunological and instrumental techniques. During the first phase of training, employees learn to perform routine duties to assist higher level forensic scientists. During the second phase of training, employees learn more complicated areas of forensic science in addition to working less complex cases. Incumbents must qualify in all Kansas courts an expert witness in order to testify regarding the results of evidence examinations. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Forensic Scientist II class in which the incumbents perform professional work and have advanced knowledge in two or more areas within a section and are responsible for performing different types of analyses and interpreting results in more complex examinations. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Learns and performs under supervision analyses of physical evidence using sophisticated laboratory instruments. Learns and maintains required quality control measures. Learns and perform analytical, chemical, physical and instrumental techniques such as gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry, ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometry, fourier transform infra-red spectrometry, as they pertain to procedures for the analysis of alcohol in liquids, and drugs in plant material, powders, liquids and paraphernalia. Learns and performs analytical, chemical, physical and instrumental techniques such a gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry, high pressure liquid chromatography and fluorescence polarization immunoassay as they pertain to procedures for the analysis of alcohol in blood and drugs and drug metabolites in urine. Learns and performs analytical, chemical, immunological, physical and instrumental techniques such as electrophoresis, polarized light microscopy and comparison microscopy as they pertain to procedures for the analysis of blood, semen, body secretions, hair, and fibers. Learns and performs analytical, chemical, physical and instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, video spectra comparisons, high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as they pertain to procedures for the analysis of handwriting, typewriting, photocopy machine print, and other printed material to determine authorship, source or authenticity of the material or demonstrate relationships between two or more materials. Learns and performs analytical, chemical, physical and instrumental techniques such as comparison microscopy, unitron, scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infra-red spectrometry as they pertain to procedures for the analysis of firearms, fired ammunition, and distance determinations. Learns and performs analytical, chemical, physical and instrumental techniques such as digital image analysis, electrostatic detection and infrared photography as they pertain to procedures for the development and analysis of latent fingerprints. Learns and performs the proper procedures for collecting and preserving physical evidence for items submitted to the laboratory for analysis in a criminal investigation. Learns how to receive, record, retain and return evidence submitted to the laboratory so that the chain of custody is properly maintained for court presentation. Learns how to properly draft reports of tests performed and conclusions drawn. Attends municipal, district, and federal court with higher ranking forensic scientists and trains in moot court situations to develop the ability to present scientific testimony in a clear, concise, and understandable manner. Testifies in municipal, district, and federal court proceedings as an expert witness pertaining to results of analysis of the evidence submitted in the trial. Participates in clandestine laboratory crime scene processing for the proper collection, preservation, and interpretation of evidence. Participates in crime scene processing of violent crime cases such as homicides and sexual assaults for the proper collection, preservation, and interpretation of evidence. Reads forensic literature, journals, and books; attends seminars, workshops, in-service training programs, and attends staff meetings. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, or related physical or natural science. *Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of laboratory testing. *Knowledge of current laboratory instrumentation. Knowledge of current laboratory methods, instrumentation, and procedures for the detection, identification, and quantification of items of forensic interest. Knowledge of scientific methods of investigation and their application to forensic analytical problems. Knowledge of statistics. Knowledge of state and federal law concerning misdemeanor and felony crime. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of complex laboratory instruments. Knowledge of the sources of information and current literature in the field of forensics. Knowledge of safety procedures used in a forensic science laboratory. Abilities *Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. *Ability to learn to use, operate, and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory instruments and equipment. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the law enforcement community, attorneys, judges, and the public. Ability to maintain composure while under cross examination in a court of law as it pertains to the results of forensic science examinations, the conclusions drawn, and/or the challenging of professional qualifications. *Ability to read scientific and technical journals and books and apply the knowledge gained. *Ability to analyze scientific data, draw logical conclusions, and complete technical reports. Ability to apply statistical procedures in the analysis of physical evidence. *Ability to learn various difficult and specialized analysis with accuracy and precision. *Ability to learn various tests, adapt techniques as required, and to perform computations. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree relevant to the field of work. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |