This is chemical and biological science work at the administrative level directing a toxicology laboratory providing specialized services to the Medical Examiner in the area of toxicological analysis and interpretations. Work includes responsibilities for determining the need for toxicological examinations, evaluating investigative and autopsy findings, supervising the performance of toxicological evaluations, and disseminating information to the public about toxic substances and their effects. Providing consulting services to physicians, hospitals, government agencies and others is a major aspect of the work. An employee in this class is responsible for the provision of consultative services on a variety of toxicological problems including cases of violent, sudden or suspicious deaths. Work is performed under the general direction of the Medical Examiner.

• Reviews investigative and autopsy findings; determines the need for toxicological examinations; confers with pathologists and investigative personnel in evaluating the laboratory findings; issues reports outlining the significances of the toxicological findings with respect to their bearing on the cause of death.
• Directs the overall work schedules and activities of a staff of technical and other laboratory personnel; determines the standards of quality and quantity to be met; indicates the nature of tests, laboratory procedures and techniques to be used in the conduct of standard and special toxicological analyses; trains subordinate technical personnel in the function and use of new laboratory equipment; plans training programs for medical students and toxicology trainees in various aspects of toxicology; gives lectures on toxicology.
• Performs complex toxicological analyses of specimens from cadavers to determine cause of death, or if any chemical was present in the body at the time of death.
• Provides consultative and advisory services to a tri-state poison information program; answers the more complex inquiries; evaluates current developments in poison treatments and maintains up-to-date literature concerning poisonous substances.
• Acts as a consultant on toxicological problems to a variety of city, state and federal agencies; confers with and advises physicians, hospitals, attorneys and others concerning the toxic and therapeutic effects of a variety of exogenous chemicals.
• Addresses various professional and lay groups on different aspects of toxicological problems.
• Testifies in court as an expert in toxicology.
• Directs the maintenance of detailed laboratory records and reports.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles and practices of toxicology.
• analytical chemistry and related basic sciences and specialized areas such as biophysics, biochemistry, pharmacology and the instrumentation pertaining to the work.
• current developments in the field of toxicology.
• laboratory research principles and techniques and methods of standardizing and adapting new tests in analytical procedures.
• the relationship between physiological action and pharmacology of drugs and their related aspects.
• the rules of evidence and legal procedures related to the work.

SKILL IN:

• the performance of toxicological tests and analyses.

ABILITY TO:

• plan and supervise the work of a staff of technical laboratory employees.
• serve in court as an expert witness.

• Possession of a Doctorate from an accredited college or university with major coursework in the physical, medical or biological sciences.

• Five years of recent chemical analysis experience in a toxicology laboratory, two years of which have been performing complex toxicological analyses, and planning and supervising the activities of a toxicology laboratory. Such experience shall have required both performance of analyses and interpretation of results.

NOTE: Certification ad a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology may be substituted for the above educational requirement.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP29
Class Established: 5/1956
Latest Spec. Revision: 1/1987

TOC/sb/mt