State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Assistant Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance and Chemistry (6402MP)

$53.96-$73.57 Hourly / $4,316.06-$5,885.33 BiWeekly /
$112,649.00-$153,607.00 Yearly


PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services this class is accountable for assisting in the direction of the toxicology, controlled substance and chemistry units operations which is responsible for the analysis of autopsy specimens, body fluids, analysis for poison and drugs, breath alcohol analysis, solid dose drug analysis, arson and gunshot residue.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives administrative direction from the Deputy Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substances and Chemistry or other administrative official of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assists with directing staff and operations of the toxicology, controlled substance and chemistry units.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Assists with directing staff and operations of the toxicology, controlled substance, chemistry, instrumentation and breath alcohol units;
  • Assists in coordinating, planning and managing division activities;
  • Assists in formulating program goals and objectives;
  • Develops or assists in development of related policies and procedures of section in conjunction with American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) International;
  • Interprets and administers pertinent laws;
  • Evaluates staff;
  • Assists with preparing section budget;
  • Maintains contacts with individuals within and outside of division who might impact on program activities;
  • Assists with determining laboratory techniques and procedures necessary to examine specimens and samples submitted;
  • Assists with development of security and control procedures;
  • Assists with research and new methodology and modifies existing technology;
  • Oversees grant administration;
  • Coordinates preparation for section annual audits;
  • Ensures planning and maintenance of professional development and training requirements;
  • Acts for the Deputy Director in their absence; 
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • May provide expert testimony;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • theory, principles and practices of analytical chemistry, spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry;
    • techniques of biochemical and toxicological analyses;
    • physical, physiological and pharmacological effects of poisons and absorption, storage and elimination;
    • principles and practices of forensic science;
    • quality management principles and process improvement techniques;
  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to apply management principles and practices;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computer software;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written skills; 
  • Ability to interpret findings and defend results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience in forensic analysis of evidentiary material with expertise in at least one (1) of the following forensic disciplines: toxicology, controlled substance and/or chemistry units.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity guiding the activities of professional forensic science laboratory personnel.

NOTE: For state employees, this experience is interpreted at the level of a Forensic Science Examiner 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training in forensic science, criminalistics, clinical or forensic toxicology, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
  • A Master’s degree in forensic science, criminalistics, chemistry, biology, forensic psychology, clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  • A Ph.D. in clinical or forensic toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be conducted before persons are certified for appointment.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(17)-Laboratory/Scientific Services

BARGAINING UNIT

(02)-MANAGERIAL

EEO

(1)-Officials And Administrators

SALARY INFORMATION

MP 68

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Assistant Director of Toxicology, Controlled Substance and Chemistry in Salary Group MP 68 approved effective April 22, 2022. (Revised to update terminology) Final No. 23-313

EFFECTIVE DATE

12/05/2023

CLASS: 6402MP; EST: 2/20/2015; REV: 12/15/2023;