Forensic Technical Leader - Chemistry/Toxicology

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
Requirements for Seized Drug Analysis/Chemistry Discipline:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework.
• Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests.
• Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Requirement for Toxicology Discipline:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework that includes at least one (1) three-semester credit hour course, or equivalent, in all of the following:
  • organic chemistry,
  • college-level analytical chemistry (e.g. Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis),
  • interpretive science (e.g. Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology).

• Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests.
• Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Based on the position being filled, the following skills or certifications may be required: American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification, International Association for Chemical Testing Certification, or equivalent certification.

Notes to Applicants

Under general direction, this position oversees and maintains the quality assurance system of the Forensic Bureau for the Toxicology section. The Technical Leader provides scientifically defensible technical guidance to the unit, is proficient in and performs chemical and physical analysis and examinations of evidence, in accordance with current forensic best practices.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a Valid Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

If you are selected for an interview:

• Please bring the contact information for at least four (4) references.
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include your official college transcript, high school diploma or GED ) may be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• All relevant employment (work/volunteer) must be included in the online application to be considered for this position. A detailed, complete employment application is required. In addition, the resume information must match the information on the application. Please be sure to highlight your lead or supervisory experience.
• Please be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs. Please include contact information for previous employers.
• The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education.
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete COA application. Please be sure the positions and employment dates listed on your resume match you application.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

CBI :

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems ( CJIS ) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Benefits:

Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:
All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD , as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
Pay Range
$35.04 - $44.67

Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (30. minute lunch allowance)
Job Close Date 09/04/2024 Type of Posting External Department Forensics Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location East Substation at 812 Springdale Rd., Austin, TX 78702 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Active Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License
• Completion of the ANAB Forensic Assessor Training Course
• Current/active Diplomate or Fellow certification from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology in Forensic Alcohol and/or Forensic Toxicology
• Possession of valid Texas Class C Driver License

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Processes crime scenes; and ensures proper collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence, including hazardous evidence. Analyzes evidence by employing forensic testing methods. Interprets analytical and instrumental test results, writes detailed reports of analysis. Oversees the technical operations for the section. Establishes, reviews, and interprets standard operating practice, policy, and procedure and provides input regarding laboratory’s needs, long range goals, and plans. Ensures section conformity to international forensic accreditation standards, Texas Forensic Science Commission interpretations, and scientific working group recommendations. Acts as primary quality assurance liaison for the section (Investigates quality incidents and reviews documentation). Develops validation and validation plans of new instruments, equipment, and methods. Is responsible for the section training program, overseeing the training of personnel, and recommending personnel for casework. Is responsible for writing section technical and training policies. Is responsible for ensuring the quality of all reference materials and reference standard collections in the section. This includes metrological traceability, verifications, and audits. Evaluates and documents vendor qualifications.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Responsible for the daily technical operations of the section including training and technical evaluation of staff, making recommendations regarding suitability for essential job duties, and equipment operation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the principles of forensic chemistry/toxicology analysis.
• Knowledge of appropriate laboratory equipment, scientific instrumentation, and physical examinations as applied to the laws governing criminal investigations.
• Knowledge of ethics; City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, ordinances; and criminal law.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics including differential and integral calculus.
• Knowledge of metrology
• Knowledge of forensic method validation best practices.
• Knowledge of safe lab practices including handling and transport of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of criminal court proceedings.
• Knowledge of proper handling techniques for forensic evidence.
• Knowledge of recommendations from national and regional scientific working groups.
• Knowledge of forensic accreditation standards such as ISO 17025:2017 and AR3125 and Texas Forensic licensing standards.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and equipment maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, or local applicable laws.
• Knowledge of hardware and software of Forensic Lab Information Management Systems.
• Skill in establishing and improving practices, policies, and procedures; and safety and training manuals for the section.
• Skill in using laboratory instruments (e.g. gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment.
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on lab instruments.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in research, data analysis, report writing, technical trouble shooting, and problem solving.
• Skill in maintaining clear, accurate, and comprehensive lab records
• Skill in presenting scientific findings in a court of law and serving as an expert witness.
• Ability to obtain, interpret, and present results of examination and analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to effectively develop, review, and/or critique validation test plans, validation reports, experimental/analytical data, and associated standard operating procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to laypersons and customers.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment and collaborate well with others.
• Ability to be precise and meticulous with time sensitive processes.
• Ability to stay abreast of changing laws, policies, and discipline-specific trends.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are: Requirements for Seized Drug Analysis/Chemistry Discipline: Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework. Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests. Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Requirement for Toxicology Discipline: Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework that includes at least one (1) three-semester credit hour course, or equivalent, in all of the following: organic chemistry, college-level analytical chemistry (e.g. Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis), interpretive science (e.g. Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology). Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests. Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Do you meet these qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires the following licenses/certifications: Valid Texas Class C Driver License, Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire, American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification, International Association for Chemical Testing Certification, or equivalent certification, and Successful completion of at least one year of ASCLD/LAB approved proficiency testing. Do you meet the license/certification requirements?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-Criminal Background Investigation).

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter

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