Responsibilities

With limited supervision, conducts physical, microscopic, immunological, and biochemical analyses on evidence submitted to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD). Acquires and maintains analytical proficiency in the forensic analysis of biological evidence. Employee maintains effective communications with the scientific and criminal justice communities and law enforcement personnel. Provides testimony in federal, state and local courts. Provides forensic training or instruction to law enforcement officers, other representatives of the criminal justice community and other individuals as requested.

Responsibilities:

Receives and processes physical evidence.
Properly documents and preserves physical evidence for further testing.
Preserves chain of custody. Identifies and characterizes evidence such as biological evidence to include blood, semen and saliva using physical, microscopic, immunological, analytical and biochemical methods as described in the laboratory protocol(s).
Characterizes known standards using microscopic, immunological, analytical and biochemical methods as described in the laboratory protocol(s).
Prepares and maintains records of analyses. Interprets test results of these analyses.
Communicates analytical procedures, methodology, policies and conclusions to various elements of the criminal justice system.
Participates in pre-trial conferences and hearings and responds appropriately to requests by the court and other associated parties.
Participates in a proficiency-testing program.
Conducts and/or participates in: a) training for new employees, b) in-house continuing education for laboratory staff and c) other training events and professional development opportunities as requested.
Serves as Serology training officer for DNA personnel as required.
Provides support to the DNA Supervisor in safety and security matters for the DNA Section.
Assists in the preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
Performs other section duties to include: forensic research, validation, quality control, quality assurance, laboratory safety activities, training and proficiency testing as directed by the DNA Supervisor.
Performs any additional tasks as assigned by management.
Position requires the employee to be in excellent physical condition and be capable of performing complex mental functions for sustained periods of time.
Employee is responsible to, and routinely supervised by the DNA Supervisor.
Employee works directly with law enforcement officers, laboratory staff and civilian personnel assigned to the agency.
Has contact with criminal justice and other government agencies as necessary in order to fulfill the purpose of this position.
May consult with other forensic laboratory personnel for exchange of information on techniques, instrumentation and population studies.
This position requires the employee to work essentially 95%-100% of each workday in laboratory and office settings.
Employee may also be required to collect samples for analysis from the field or in hazardous situations, e.g., during crime scene response.

Qualifications

Applicant must possess a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited academic institution in a biological, chemical or forensic science. Forensic science experience is preferred.
Employee must have exceptional communications skills (written and oral, English) and computer skills.
Employee must have corrected vision and hearing with sufficient manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination to operate laboratory equipment to include: microscopes, balances, centrifuges, genetic analyzers and other related forensic equipment.
Employee may not be colorblind.
Employee must be able to operate basic office equipment to include: telephones, copiers and computers.
Employee must have sufficient body strength to bend at the waist and knees and lift/carry a maximum of 40 pounds dead weight.
Employee must follow established laboratory safety practices as required.
Employee must be aware that there is the possibility of occupational exposure to toxic materials, chemicals and blood borne pathogens.
Position may require after-hours or overnight travel.
Travel in and out of state may be required.

Compensation

$36,000 - $58,000

Work vehicle provided

How to apply

Send resume to: dmcclure@rcsd.net