Forensic Scientist

Description

Summary: Assists law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system by examining and analyzing evidence.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions: Conducts specialized chemical, physical, and/or serological analyses of evidentiary materials; interprets analyses results; prepares and reviews technical reports; maintains security of evidence, chain of custody, and evidence records; prepares reagents; assists law enforcement agencies at crime scenes by evaluating and collecting potential evidence; serves as an expert witness in court giving testimony regarding findings of analyses and examination of evidence; attends training as required; maintains current knowledge in field by reading of professional literature; attends safety meetings, serves on safety committee as required, and participates in or performs audits and inspections as requested; teaches classes pertaining to forensic science to law enforcement personnel; participates in a proficiency testing program. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Other Job Functions: Performs other related duties as directed.

NOTE: The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by employees holding this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required, nor are all duties listed necessarily performed by any one employee so classified.

Education & Experience

Education & Experience: Baccalaureate or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or forensic science from an accredited university; must have a minimum of twenty-four semester credit hours in college level-chemistry coursework and three-semester credit hours in college-level statistics; knowledge of laboratory skills and procedures.

Specialized Requirements: Possess a valid Texas Driver's License, be a U.S. Citizen, be at least 21 years of age, be willing to work extended hours, including holidays, as needed. Subject to comprehensive background check.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Equipment Used: Laboratory equipment necessary to test and analyze forensic evidence: comparison microscope, stereoscope, GC, GC-MS, FTIR, centrifuges, electronic balances, chemical fume hoods, biological hoods, pipettes, cameras, and alternate light sources. Personal computer, mainframe computers and printers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and general office equipment as needed.

Work Situations/Demands/Efforts: Work requires organizing; prioritizing; accuracy; attention to detail; flexibility in order to perform a variety of duties and to adapt standard procedures to differing situations; performing routine, repetitive tasks; working in a high volume environment; meeting frequent deadlines; out-of-town travel to attend training and to testify in court; driving a county vehicle; irregular work hours and being subject to 24-hour call out to respond to crime scenes.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled laboratory area which is shared with other employees; laboratory has controlled access. Employee is subject to safety hazards when handling biological evidence and working with chemicals, and is exposed to fumes and odors from chemicals and biological evidence. Employee may be subjected to adverse weather and environmental conditions at crime scenes.

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status (disabled), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or political affiliation in employment or the provision of services. To request a reasonable accommodation or other assistance, contact a Human Resources representative at (409) 839-2391, or for the hearing impaired, through RELAY Texas at 1-800-735-2989 or mail your request to 1225 Pearl St., Suite 201 Beaumont, Texas 77701.

We offer a complete benefits package to all full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, prescription drug coverage, Employee Assistance Program, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave, and use of the Employee Health Clinic.

For more information, please visit our benefits page at https://co.jefferson.tx.us/riskman/Benefits

Employer Jefferson County (TX)

Department Sheriff's Office Address 5030 US-69

Beaumont, Texas, 77705

Phone (409) 726-2521

Website https://co.jefferson.tx.us/Sheriff/