CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
3H48
FORENSIC SCIENTIST I
Specialties
( Chemical Analysis )
( Criminalistics )
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is forensic chemistry work at the advanced training level analyzing physical and trace evidence for criminal trial presentation, in the area of specialization. An employee in this class is given progressively more difficult work tasks and is expected to become more independent in the carrying out of these tasks as experience is gained. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level chemist, and involves some disagreeable aspects.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Criminalistic Specialty
- Analyzes macroscopic and microscopic physical and trace evidence, utilizing a variety of disciplines; examines, identifies and presents conclusions in the chemical testing of blood, flammable substances from arson scenes, explosives, residues, unknown substances and liquids other than drugs, possible gunpowder traces, hairs, paints, etc.; performs biological and microbiological tests on hairs, fibers, brushings from trace evidence, possible spermatozoa traces, glass, plants, and human and plant cells; performs biochemical tests on blood, saliva and possible seminal fluids; performs physical techniques such as blood droplet trajectory, and analysis of tool marks, footprint impressions and a large variety of electrical, and electronic mechanical devices; participates or advises in the collection of crime scene evidence in arson cases involving deaths, especially when homicide is suspected.
Chemical Analysis Specialty
- Analyzes macroscopic and microscopic suspected substances for presence of illegal elements, by use of traditional and instrumental chemistry techniques; identifies controlled substances, precursors, by-products and other substances used for drug dilution; examines and identifies suspected drug paraphernalia; analyzes foodstuffs for the presence of foreign materials such as drugs and poisons, and identifies possible poisons; analyzes urine for drug content and quantifies concentrations; collects evidence samples and prepares facilitating tasks for higher-level chemists at clandestine laboratory scenes.
Both Specialties
- Determines the type of chemical analysis or test to be performed on chemicals and materials to establish their properties, characteristics, and chemical compositions.
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses by using the principles and practices of general analytical chemistry methods such as gravimetric, titrimetric, optical, electrical, and/or chromatographical; learns the use of and may operate a variety of chemical analysis instruments such as polarizing and phase contrast microscopes, gas and liquid chromatographs, infrared and ultra-violet spectrophotometers, mass spectrometer, and x-ray and thermal analysis units; may recommend course of action.
- Prepares technical reports on findings and projects; studies pamphlets, journals, and books for use in devising methods and tests.
- Follows evidence control procedures to maintain chain-of-evidence integrity; insures evidence is locked securely in designated locker or space before and after analysis.
- Prepares technical reports on findings and projects; studies pamphlets, journals, and books for use in devising methods and tests.
- Operates computer consoles to analyze results of tests or to perform mathematical calculations involved in the analyses of substances.
- Appears in court to testify on individual findings of chemical and physical tests; may provide some interpretation of significance of findings.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the principles, methods, and techniques of analytical chemistry.
- mathematics and statistics as they relate to analytical chemistry.
- safety practices and procedures as they apply to sampling in the field and analyses in the laboratory.
- research methods and techniques.
- policies and procedures for maintaining chain-of-evidence integrity.
- non-chemistry techniques which includes microscopy, for both specialties, and biological, biochemical and microbiological techniques, for the Criminalistics specialty.
- drug toxicology and biology as applies to drug analysis and related activity, for the Chemical Analysis Specialty.
ABILITY TO:
- perform complex chemical analysis using quality assurance techniques.
- learn the operation and the application of sophisticated instruments.
- conduct research in chemical methods and techniques.
- interpret the results in chemical methods and techniques.
- learn computer programming.
- express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- prepare technical forms, reports, and other correspondence.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 11/85.)
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, criminalistics, biology or biochemistry with at least 24 credit hours in chemistry.
- One year of training level experience in analytical chemistry testing in a forensic laboratory in the area of specialization.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which has included completion of a bachelor's degree program as specified above as an educational minimum.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
- Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Scientist I if required by work assignment.
PAY RANGE: EP13
Class Established: 11/1985
TOC/sb/mt
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 3H48