Job Posting
Technical Services Support Specialist
(Forensic Chemist)
Howard County Police Department, Ellicott City, MD
Salary: $23.91 - $38.54 Hourly
$49,732.80 - $80,163.20 Annually
Final Filing Date: March 12, 2010; 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
Duties: This is a highly skilled, technical position, which bears the responsibility of rendering assistance in the qualitative and quantitative chemical, microscopic and instrumental analysis of controlled and non-controlled dangerous substances encountered in criminal investigations. This task must be accomplished with such a degree of legal correctness and scientific procedure as to allow the findings to be utilized by police personnel in the logical conclusion of an investigation and also stand-up to the scrutiny of our judicial system in a court of law. To this end the collection, preservation and examination of any evidence involved is paramount.
Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
A: Drug analysis
- Examines for proper packaging, content and accuracy of request for analysis form.
- Maintains chain of custody
- Transports evidence to the MSP Laboratory.
- Conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis using a combination of chemical, separation/purification, microscopic and instrumental examination.
- Interpret test results, prepare reports of conclusions for distribution and the judicial process.
- Appears as an expert witness to testify regarding chain of custody, methodology and test results.
- Conducts research to develop/modify techniques and procedures to benefit both the Forensic Services Section and the Department.
- Performs other duties related to the operation of the Forensic Services Section.
B: Chemical processing: Knowledge in the use of hazardous chemicals used in the processing of physical evidence including but not limited to: safeguards, chemical mixing, and disposal, and usage thereof.
- Cyanoacrylate fuming:
- Dye stains
- Fluorescent powders
- Alternate light source
- UV light source applications
- Ninhydrin, acetone and petroleum based ether
- Additional chemicals; DFO, silver nitrate, iodine fuming, zinc chloride, physical developer, sticky side powder, crystal violet, gun bluing, ammonium and potassium thiocyanate, amido black and other blood enhancement agents.
Education and training: prepare lesson plans for use in the instruction of in-service and new recruit training programs. Instruct students in all aspects of the Forensic Services Section. Conduct presentations and tours for community groups, schools and law enforcement personnel. Conduct research studies utilizing new techniques, materials and equipment. Attend conferences, schools and seminars to keep abreast of new forensic technology.
Maintain reports and other miscellaneous files. Utilize a computer for report writing and maintaining Departmental communication. Assist with the preparation of the yearly Forensic Services Fiscal Budget, in areas including but not limited to purchasing of new equipment, maintenance of existing equipment, and reordering of normal day to day materials. Transport quantities of CDS to the Maryland State Police for Analysis. Weekly transport of various items of physical evidence including but not limited to hairs and fibers, weapons, guns, ammunition, Gunshot residue kits, etc. Regularly transport DNA evidence to Orchid Cellmark in Germantown, Md. for analysis.
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree and 1 year experience required.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree with major work in chemistry, biology or other natural science; with experience in drug analysis and must be a court qualified expert in this forensic discipline. Strong computer skills.
How to apply: Original job announcement, further information, and to apply click here.
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Posted: March 2, 2010
