FORENSIC SCIENTIST III8138C3 Pay Grade: DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, professional or supervisory work in a forensic science laboratory. Work involves responsibility for directing a specialized unit of a laboratory section or the operations of several units; or for performing complex and specialized scientific forensic laboratory tests and applied research. Work includes conducting forensic examinations in complex, sensitive and controversial cases, providing technical assistance, reviewing and monitoring work and training and supervising staff. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - Level D: "Under general direction…" Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. 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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Forensic Scientist II class in which the incumbents perform advanced scientific, forensic tests and do not direct a specialized unit of a laboratory section or the operations of several units or perform complex and special forensic laboratory tests requiring additional training and knowledge. Differs from the Forensic Scientist IV class where the incumbents direct, plan and organize major laboratory programs, laboratory investigation or analytical operations. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Conducts forensic examinations in complex, unusual, sensitive and controversial cases; verifies results obtained by lower-level forensic scientists and assists in interpreting difficult tests in order to facilitate laboratory operations. Performs and conducts examinations for a specific, specialized and complicated function such as the lottery, ballistics and the automated fingerprint identification system. Receives, records, retains and returns or disposes of evidence submitted to the laboratory so that the chain of custody is properly maintained for court presentation. Prepares detailed reports of test and findings; prepares displays for use in courtroom presentation. Instructs laboratory personnel within a unit in forensic science procedures, in report writing, in new laboratory techniques and in the operation of new and existing laboratory instrumentation. Performs and conducts applied research to develop new or improved methods, techniques and procedures for forensic laboratory analysis. Maintains, reviews and evaluates quality assurance measures to ensure adequate quality control samples have been completed to assess quality of laboratory data; suggests and initiates corrective measures. Coordinates the conduct of laboratory safety and hazardous materials programs. Testifies in court proceedings as an expert witness to explain, corroborate or contest analyses conducted on evidence submitted in criminal proceedings. Participates in crime scene investigative work; confers with law enforcement officers regarding laboratory test procedures in order to advise them of tests and procedures available to meet their needs. Reviews and evaluates tests performed by other staff on a variety of materials such as blood, drugs, latent fingerprints, firearms and documents. Supervises lower-level forensic scientists; schedules work as necessary to meet demands. Reviews literature, attends/instructs at seminars, workshops and in-service training programs; attends staff meetings; reviews journals and books; and consults with other laboratories to learn new procedures, policies and techniques in laboratory analysis. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Extensive knowledge of the practices and forensic scientific procedures pertaining to collecting, preserving and analyzing a specific category of physical crime evidence, such as firearms, blood, documents, latent fingerprints, and trace materials. *Extensive knowledge of basic principles, practices and procedures of forensic scientific laboratory testing. *Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of complex laboratory instruments. *Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures, quality assurance programs, and appropriate statistical methods. *Knowledge of journals, textbooks, and other information resources and their application to specific forensic analysis. *Extensive knowledge of the methods used to illustrate information for use in reports and to support testimony in criminal investigations. Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. Abilities *Ability to perform difficult and specialized analysis with accuracy and precision. *Ability to assist in the development of new or improved methods/techniques to be used in laboratory analysis. *Ability to maintain composure while under cross-examination in a court of law regarding scientific results and professional qualifications. *Ability to use and maintain complex laboratory instruments. *Ability to perform advanced tests, adapt techniques as required, and to perform complex computations. *Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. *Ability to plan, direct and review the work of other forensic scientists. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree relevant to the field of work and two years relevant work experience. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/93 |