Forensic Laboratory Technician (#413370)

Forensic Laboratory Technician assists professional laboratory staff in performing a variety of technical and clerical functions to support operations; performs evidence custodial duties; maintains records; and documents activities; maintains laboratory supplies, equipment, and facilities; and conducts routine laboratory tests;

Although the Forensic Laboratory Technician may conduct the routine and less complex physical evidence tests, the primary purpose of the class is to provide support services necessary for laboratory operations.

The Forensic Laboratory Technician is distinguished from the:
• Criminalist class, which conducts the technically complex, difficult, or sensitive forensic scientific analyses of physical evidence and investigates crime scenes.
• Public Health Laboratory Technician class, which assists Public Health Microbiologists within the Public Health Laboratory by preparing specimens for testing and performing data entry and managing records for reports.

Solano County is recruiting to fill a newly created Forensic Laboratory Technician position in the District Attorney's Forensic Lab scheduled to open on October 30, 2009.  The incumbent selected for this position will perform a variety of technical/clerical functions to support operations and evidence custodial duties as well as maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and facilities.

The Forensic Laboratory Technician reports to the Criminalist Supervisor.

Performs laboratory support duties such as preparing and maintaining records, logs, analytical reports, notes, and databases; laboratory library and reference collections; laboratory equipment and apparatus; facilities; and supplies

Performs routine forensic and chemical analyses on a variety of samples, specimens, substances, firearms, and weapons; performs routine serological procedures; and performs routine extraction procedures. Prepares standard chemical solutions, reagents, and sample formulations.

Performs evidence custodial duties that include collecting, inventorying, documenting, safekeeping, and disbursing; and enters data into automated databases and manual logs to maintain the chain of custody and the integrity of the evidence.

Prepares detailed and comprehensive notes, records, and reports detailing findings, investigative methods, analytical procedures, and laboratory techniques.

Presents fair and impartial court testimony.

Collects and disposes of laboratory waste materials

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Knowledge of:
• Basic principles and practices of chemistry related to analytical laboratory work
• Methods, techniques, materials, operations, equipment, apparatus, and automated systems used in a modern laboratory
• Organic, inorganic, quantitative, and qualitative chemistry
• Laboratory safety precautions and procedures
• Standard office procedures, practices, equipment, personal computers and software

Skills in:
• Operating and maintaining a wide variety of laboratory, scientific, photographic, and safety equipment and instruments
• Performing routine chemical, instrumental, and laboratory analyses in accordance with prescribed procedures
• Interpreting and applying departmental, local, state and federal codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and policies
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly laboratory
• Using computers and office, scientific, analytical, graphic/photo imaging, and query software applications
• Working under pressure to meet timelines and handling multiple and changing priorities
• Communicating information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; testifying in court
• Preparing and maintaining reports, records, correspondence, reference materials, statistical documentation, and other written materials and databases
• Adhering to established codes of ethics
• Working under physical and mental pressure and in potentially hazardous situations and environments
• Learn the use and care of firearms
• Learn elementary laboratory methods and procedures including safety precautions for handling hazardous chemicals
• Establishing and maintaining constructive and cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; demonstrating tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion

Associate’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college with a major in chemistry, forensic science, biochemistry, toxicology, criminalistics, or a closely related physical or natural science field that included 20 semester units of general chemistry, organic chemistry (two courses), quantitative techniques, and laboratory sections; and

Six months of related laboratory experience.

Note: “Equivalent” is defined as the successful completion of 60 semester units with a GPA of C or higher, from an accredited college that also included:
• 15 semester units in the natural and/or physical sciences; and
• 20 semester units in general chemistry, organic chemistry (two courses), quantitative techniques, and laboratory sections

• Employees conducting forensic alcohol analyses must be eligible to conduct such work as specified by the State of California at the time of appointment
Some positions may require:
• California Driver’s License, Class C

Positions in this class typically require reaching, walking, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Standing, walking, and/or sitting for long periods, such as while conducting laboratory analyses. Possessing sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate and operate laboratory equipment. Visually distinguish color, shape, size, number, and picture resolution quality. Withstanding exposure to disagreeable elements such malodorous and/or decomposing samples, blood, bodily fluids, etc.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.