What are the responsibilities and job description for the Criminal Forensic Scientist - Chemistry position at State of New Mexico?
35.70 - $71.40 Hourly
74,256 - $148,512 Annually
This position is a Pay Band FG
Posting Details
Criminal Forensic Scientists serve as specialists in an area of expertise / scientific discipline and are responsible for identifying and analyzing physical evidence related to their specialization that is collected from criminal investigations. Department of Public Safety Criminal Forensic Scientists support the New Mexico law enforcement community in the investigation of crimes by receiving and maintaining physical evidence custody; preparing reports that document their findings; provide expert opinions in their scientific specialization to investigators; and provide expert witness testimony regarding their findings in a court of law.
Why does the job exist?
This Criminal Forensic Scientists - Chemist performs analysis of controlled substance evidence; the incumbent will be responsible for independently collecting, classifying, identifying, and analyzing controlled substance evidence related to criminal investigations; testify as expert witnesses regarding the techniques used, results / conclusions made and chain of custody of evidence items; conduct peer reviews of chemistry casework and testify to results as needed; order supplies / consumables and perform regular instrument maintenance; assist with external quality assessments related to accreditation and compliance with quality standards; conduct controlled substance inventory; maintain a cohesive work environment that encourages professionalism, excellent customer service and exemplifies code of conduct. Maintain accreditation standards throughout.
How does it get done?
This position will be responsible for :
- Producing formal reports that accurately identify and analyze physical evidence to determine their significance to the investigation;
- Presenting the results, conclusions and expert opinion in the scientific analysis of the controlled substance evidence;
- Providing expert witness testimony regarding their findings in courts of law throughout the State of New Mexico;
- Performing QA / QC to assure quality analysis, evidence integrity, and maintain accreditation standards.
Who are the customers?
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.
Ideal Candidate
Master's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science from an accredited college or university and six (6) years' experience in a forensic laboratory performing scientific analysis of forensic evidence.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and / or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a national fingerprint-based record check before hire. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony-free, per Section 5. 12. 1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy. Employment will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and random employment drug testing. Statewide travel will be required. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must have a minimum of 20 credit hours in chemistry.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting : late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information
Benefits :
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Agency Contact Information : Katharina Babcock (505) 629-3900. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Salary : $74,256 - $148,512
