What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Forensic Scientist II - Chemist position at St. Louis County, MO?
An employee in this job class is responsible for performing professional scientific work of marked difficulty analyzing a wide variety of physical crime scene evidence. Work is performed under the direction of the Section Supervisor. Work requires a high level of concentration and includes exposure to body fluids, toxic chemicals, and noxious odors. Work is reviewed by observing procedures performed and by writing reports on test results.
Duty hours: 8 hour, 10 hour or 12 hour shifts available, Monday through Friday, with supervisor’s approval. Potential for call back to duty with flexibility to meet Department needs.
Per the Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement, newly hired employees who do not possess corresponding experience will start at the base starting pay listed in this posting.
Examples of Duties
- Performs analytical tests and examinations on a wide variety of crime evidence, which may include drugs/controlled substances, clandestine laboratory chemicals, ignitable liquids, and explosives.
- Operates laboratory instruments including, but not limited to, Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GCMS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Xray Diffraction (XRD), Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (LCMS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), FTIR Microscope, Ion Chromatography (ICS), stereomicroscopes, balances, centrifuges, and computers, etc.
- Interprets laboratory testing results and prepares written reports indicating tests performed and analysis results.
- Prepares solutions, buffers and reagents.
- Communicates regularly with law enforcement officials and attorneys.
- Testifies as an expert witness on scientific findings and interpretations.
- Logs crime scene evidence in and out of the Crime Laboratory.
- Remains current in the field of forensic science by reviewing scientific journals, attending seminars, conferences, and professional organization membership.
- Successfully completes proficiency testing annually.
- Performs related work as required.
NOTE: The example of duties should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the job. Individuals may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to seek out knowledge, assimilate training, and develop competence.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize with periodic interruptions.
- Ability to make sound work-related judgments and decisions.
- Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.
- Knowledge of Crime Laboratory methods and techniques.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry.
- Skill in operating laboratory equipment.
- Skill in performing tests and analyses of a variety of substances and materials according to standard operating procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials, attorneys, medical examiners, and the public.
- Ability to communicate in English clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for long periods, bend, reach, lift, and carry moderate weight.
- Capacity to work in potentially uncomfortable or hazardous environments, including exposure to chemicals, biohazards, and potentially disturbing crime scene elements.
- Occasional work in extreme weather conditions if responding to a scene.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate or an advanced degree in a natural science or closely related field (Chemistry Degree preferred). College coursework must include a minimum of 20 hours of chemistry coursework with a grade of “C” or better, including two semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory, one semester of Organic Chemistry with laboratory, and either an additional semester of Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, or Biochemistry or at least one year of experience in an accredited crime laboratory as a Forensic Drug Chemist.
Special Requirements:
- Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a vehicle.
- May require call back to duty assignments.
- The position will require the submission of a buccal swab to the local DNA database.
- There is a two-year probationary period for employees in this job class. The employee must satisfactorily complete all required training and competency testing and is subject to dismissal for failing to complete probation. If the employee is successfully progressing in the job but has not completed training/competency testing, probation may be extended at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Additional Information
CITIZENSHIP: Citizen of the United States or valid work permit, and apply for citizenship when eligible.
AGE LIMITS: Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
EDUCATION: Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINES: Any illegal adult use or possession of a controlled substance, including marijuana, within one year prior to employment. The word “drug” refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription; to include marijuana in all forms (edibles, gummies, or any other product containing THC).
TATTOO POLICY: Applicants and Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, head or hands. Visible tattoos on other areas of the body may be displayed with Department approval.
ARREST: Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor.
MILITARY: Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS
Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.
St. Louis County offers its employees many excellent benefits with paid medical insurance, 20 days of PTO (paid time off) the first year and increasing with seniority, and 11-12 paid holidays. Employees hired for full time employment will participate in the St. Louis County retirement plan where they contribute 4% of their salary to the defined benefit plan with vesting after 7 years. Other benefits include: paid life insurance, a credit union, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, pre-tax premium pay plan, dependent care and medical expense reimbursement plans, and short and long term disability insurance.
In addition to these benefits, as of January 1, 2023, St. Louis County approved up to 480 hours of paid parental leave for eligible employees welcoming new children, either by birth or adoption. The employee can also take up to 80 hours of leave for prenatal care and up to 80 hours for care of the child within the first year.
