Chemist

Analyzes suspected drug evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies operating in Manatee County for the presence or absence of controlled substances. Presents expert testimony in courts of law. Performs at least 65 percent of the time in the collection, examination, documentation, or analysis of physical evidence having potential biological, chemical, or contamination; or uses chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of said evidence.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to withstand cross-examination in court.
• Ability to interpret test results, and to prepare comprehensive analytical reports.
• Ability to conduct forensic scientific experiments, analyzing results and formulating conclusions clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel and outside agencies.
• Considerable knowledge of OSHA and state workplace safety regulations as well as local, state, and federal statutes and local ordinances.
• Considerable knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used to analyze drugs as applies to the forensic laboratory.
• Considerable knowledge of what constitutes physical evidence and scientific methods for conducting research.
• Considerable knowledge of the correct procedures for providing expert testimony in court.
• Considerable knowledge of procedures for collection and preservation of evidence identifying, marking, sealing, and packaging evidence.
• Skill in the use, calibration, and maintenance of forensic laboratory equipment.

• Ability to walk, bend, stretch, stoop, reach and climb (stairs or stepladders).
• Frequently push, pull, lift and/or carry materials weighing more than 40 lbs.
• Required to distinguish colors to determine results of drug test/analysis.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus required.
• Required to use hand and fingers to handle common tools to maintain, set up, calibrate, and clean laboratory instruments.
• Must also possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to use hands and arms to finger, handle, grasp and feel.
• Required to speak and hear clearly.
• Required to operate motor vehicles, computers, and any other equipment that is used to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals, narcotics, and carcinogenic materials in the analysis of evidence.

• Conducts chemical, microscopic, and instrumental examinations on suspected drugs or other related substances. Documents, weighs, and samples evidence for analysis.
• Presents expert testimony in courts of law.
• Prepares and submits forensic investigation reports.
• Maintains chain-of-custody for all laboratory evidence.
• Conducts training on evidence packaging and presumptive drug test.
• Successfully completes all assignments to specifications, within specified timeframe and budget as directed and in accordance with agency policies and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Arrives on time for work, limits breaks and lunches to the allotted time, and leaves on time. Uses leave in accordance with General Orders; communicates and cooperates with management in providing proper notice of leave; patterns and amounts of leave usage (not including legitimate, properly scheduled and approved leave and protected leave).
• Volume of work accomplished is consistent with position requirements and produced within quality tolerance standards.
• Works with other team members to achieve group goals by contributing ideas in group settings, accepting ideas contributed by others, operating within team rules, participating in team meetings, working with team members to improve job knowledge and skills, putting team goals over personal goals, and supporting team leaders once decisions are made.
• Follows standard office procedures, safety policies and procedures and agency General Orders.
• Maintains good interpersonal relations (the manner in which the employee responds emotionally and verbally) with the public, other employees, and supervisors. This policy also relates to the image the employee projects and includes cleanliness and personal grooming.
• Operates and cares for equipment, tools, and vehicles according to prescribed standards and schedules.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Forensic Science or Natural Science. Minimum 24 semester hours of chemistry coursework, including organic and analytical chemistry is required.
• Experience in analysis of controlled substances is desirable.
• Valid Florida driver license required.
• Must pass MCSO 8-hour Driver Improvement Course.