Forensic Chemist

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Duties & Responsibilities
Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all the duties below.

• Perform examinations and identifications of controlled substances present in submitted evidence.
• Write reports to document findings and conclusions of cases.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding seized drugs examination and identification procedures to facilitate the court's understanding of seized drugs evidence.
• Respond to requests for assistance to advise on seized drugs issues.
• Identify trends and new potential substances for future legislative action.
• Brief attorney, criminal justice personnel, and judicial staff on seized drugs findings.
• Maintain electronic/hardcopy seized drugs files.
• Perform other related duties as required which may include technical leader tasks such as Controlled Standards Officer, measurement uncertainty estimations, instrument and methods validations.

Requirements

Minimum Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in chemical, physical or biological science or forensic science.
• Completion of coursework in Organic and Analytical Chemistry.
• One year of experience in seized drugs identification including testifying as an expert witness during court trials.

Required Post-Employment Testing

• Must successfully complete the HCSO Chemistry Analyst Competency Examination within the first six months of assignment.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff’s Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
• Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.
• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment (certified only).

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of twenty-five credit hours in chemistry coursework.
• A membership from the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists.

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