Forensic Scientist I

Candidates must possess a valid driver license from the state of residence and obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, following the completion of training, if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure.

• Develops communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with agencies and other customers regarding sensitive information related to the offense and/or analyses being done.
• Learns how to use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for purposes of evidentiary documentation, chain of custody, analysis, and other metrics within the laboratory.
• Learns how to prepare reports concerning the preliminary and final results of each analysis performed.
• Learns how to represent the discipline and the results of analysis in testimony and may serve as an expert witness in court.
• Reads required training materials as they pertain to general laboratory functions and discipline-specific manuals and procedures.
• Learns legal aspects concerning the collection and analysis of breath alcohol specimens.
• Performs technical supervision of certified breath test programs as stated in the Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations.
• Learns use of specialized chemical analyses and preparation of chemical solutions.
• Prepares technical reports.
• Repairs and maintains electronic breath testing equipment.
• Supervises Breath Test Operators regarding operation, care, and knowledge of breath testing instruments.
• Performs calibration of breath alcohol testing instruments.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Chemistry, or with a major in another scientific field including a minimum of eighteen (18) hours in Chemistry, no more than eight (8) hours of which may be freshman level.
• Forensic Scientist I: None.
• Forensic Scientist II: A minimum of one (1) year of work experience as a Breath Test Forensic Scientist I or the equivalent experience as a Technical Supervisor in another certified Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Program, or as per current Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations requirements.
• Forensic Scientist III: A minimum of three (3) years' of work experience as a Breath Test Forensic Scientist II (four [4] years' total) or the equivalent experience as a Technical Supervisor in another certified Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Program or as per current Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations requirements.
• Forensic Scientist IV: A minimum of eight (8) years' of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of a promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
• Forensic Scientist V: A minimum of sixteen (16) years' of work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of the Forensic Scientist IV promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.
• Forensic Scientist VI: A minimum of twenty (20) years' work experience as a Forensic Scientist in an accredited crime laboratory in the same respective forensic discipline and successful completion of the Forensic Scientist IV promotional exam with oral board. Documented completion of the training program.

• Ability to coordinate the handling of evidence between sections.
• Ability to recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management.
• Ability to communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise, and effective manner.
• Ability to conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant.
• Ability to conduct testing used in examination of evidence.
• Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment: Office, Laboratory.

Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit.

Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity.

Ability to exercise visual acuity, e.g., stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work, perceive minute differences and details, and ability to withstand the strain of continued close work.

Ability to speak; hear; and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work.

Ability to transfer weights of twenty-five (25) pounds anticipated for this position.

Driving requirements: Considerable frequency, fifty percent (50%).