County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, may assist in performing routine tests and analysis of narcotics, dangerous drugs and other materials in the crime laboratory, and to perform other related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Crime Laboratory Technicians work in the Crime Laboratory of the Countywide Services Division, Sheriff's Office. They may assist in the performance of routine laboratory tests and qualitative and quantitative analyses of narcotics, drugs, and other restricted dangerous substances; perform minor repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment; and may be required to testify in court on analytical findings. This class differs from the next higher class of Criminalist I in that the latter performs physical and chemical analysis on a variety of different classes of evidence related to criminal matters. The Crime Laboratory Technician differs from the next lower class of Laboratory Assistant in that Laboratory Assistants perform laboratory housekeeping functions and maintain storage of evidence.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. May perform routine tests and analyses of narcotics, dangerous drugs, chemicals and other materials as required.

2. May appear as an expert witness in courts to interpret results of laboratory tests.

3. Writes reports on evidence analyzed.

4. Maintains inventory of supplies used in chemical analysis.

5. Performs minor repairs and maintenance on laboratory equipment.

6. May assist Criminalists in performing analyses on classes of evidence other than drug or alcohol.

7. May perform the duties of a Forensic Alcohol Analyst, which includes assisting in the County-wide forensic alcohol analysis program.

8. May train laboratory personnel in preparing chemical reagents.

9. May be responsible for the receipt, securing and release of evidence in the laboratory.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Education:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Medical Technology, or other related science from an accredited college or university, which must have included 18 semester units of chemistry, including 3 semester units or 4 quarter units quantitative analysis.

Or II

Education:

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university including at least 20 semester or 30 quarter units in the natural and/or physical sciences. This education must have included 12 semester or 18 quarter units of chemistry, including 3 semester units or 4 quarter units in quantitative analysis,

And

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience performing crime laboratory work which must have included quantitative and qualitative analysis of drugs and narcotics.

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Candidates must be free of color blindness.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Basic crime laboratory methods of examination.
• Organic, inorganic, quantitative, and qualitative chemistry.
• Basic laboratory safety procedures.

Ability to:

• Write concise and explicit technical reports.
• Speak clearly and fluently, correlate information from different sources concerning different types of evidences and different analyses in the solution of criminal offenses
• Utilize delicate instrumentation and apparatus without causing excessive damage or breakage.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 6/81
Retyped: 6/81
DB:ab Revised: 2/83
Old doc: 0796h
New doc: Jobspecs/8520.doc
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 3/9/83
ID:pf Rev. 10/3/01
Csc Date: 12/19/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.