BERRIEN COUNTY DRUG ID CENTER - Forensic Lab Assistant

Job Classification

  

Position summary

Assists in performing chemical and physical tests required for the analysis of samples made up of a variety of materials containing suspected controlled substances submitted by local law enforcement. Document the receipt of evidence submitted to the Laboratory and analysis of each submission. Testifies in Federal and State Courts as an "expert witness" defending analytical techniques and results against cross-examination. Assists the Laboratory Supervisor in a variety of public forum settings with community leaders and persons interested in drug-related issues. Assists in the maintenance of the inventory of submitted cases.

Qualifications summary

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or equivalent Degree in one of the natural sciences.  

Experience and/or training on the use of chemical instrumentation and/or evidence handling related to this job is helpful.

The highest level of professional integrity and communication skills support the documentation and dissemination of information obtained in the forensic lab.

 


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Tests and analyzes unknown samples using instrumentation, including ultraviolet/Visible and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

Performs various secretarial functions such as processing evidence paperwork and handling phone calls. In the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor, the Laboratory assumes the role as chief spokesman for the Laboratory. 

Supervises the preparation of the official laboratory report for each submission and the preparation of semiannual charges for contract work.

Establishes or adjusts work procedure documents to meet testing schedules.

Compiles and analyzes test information to determine the operating efficiency of a process or equipment and to diagnose malfunctions.

Adjusts formulas and processes in thin layer chromatography based on test results.

Prepares test solutions, compounds, and reagents for use by laboratory personnel in conducting tests.

Recommends measures to improve testing procedures and the use of equipment.

Analyzes and resolves, or assists in solving work problems.

Maintain inventory of office supplies.

May be required to testify in court.

Maintains time and testing records.

Creates and maintains Microsoft computer database, spreadsheet, and document files.

Supports Laboratory Supervisor in preparation for and in giving presentations.

Supervisory responsibilities

None

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or equivalent Degree in a natural science or closely related discipline; related experience and/or training is helpful.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. An ability to effectively present information to juries, public groups, and/or elected officials.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  Driver's license and own transportation; occasionally required to drive over a hundred miles to appear in court.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

Familiarity with the use of chemical instrumentation (FTIR and GC/MS) and/or evidence handling procedures is a plus.

Use Microsoft Office tools to analyze data, write reports, compose business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to enter and retrieve information as well as to maintain a computer database.

Interpersonal interactions

Shares indoor office space with laboratory functions and the Chief Analyst.  Daily contact with the Chief Analyst and police officers delivering evidence.

Must feel and act comfortably with all the people who interact with this office:  students, faculty, police officers, and staff.  Must be willing to help "clients" according to their needs. 

Physical demands

Ability to speak clearly and be understood both on the telephone and in person. Excellent handwriting skills - first and primary recorder of all laboratory analysis.

Ability to move between instruments and from floor cabinets to upper storage units.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus to describe evidence.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work environment

Background noise from electric lab equipment at a moderate level. The temperature is maintained, but some areas receive a draft.  Odors can result and linger from laboratory procedures.  Must be able to climb a ladder.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.