Class Code: 06219
CHIEF TOXICOLOGIST
NATURE OF WORK
This
is responsible technical and administrative work in the analysis of postmortem
and ante mortem (DUI) specimens submitted by Medical Examiners and police
departments.
Work
includes the review and interpretation of laboratory results which may be
inconsistent with investigative and autopsy findings. Work also involves
management of the laboratory and supervision of subordinate toxicologists,
including development of laboratory policies and procedures. General
supervision is received from an administrative superior who reviews work
through conferences and reports.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Supervises
professional and technical personnel engaged in laboratory work.
Gives
expert testimony, analyzes and prepares reports for use in trials and
depositions.
Prepares
and reviews case files and findings. Prepares written reports using basic
computer-based office applications.
Develops
laboratory policies and procedures.
Consults
with medical examiners and other responsible parties regarding laboratory
results.
Oversees
research projects and evaluates new technology for presentation and
publication.
Maintains
all continuing education and training required by the Medical Examiner
Commission.
Oversees
the laboratory budget and the acquisition of laboratory equipment and
instrumentation.
Performs
related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Extensive
knowledge of modern principles, methods and techniques used in collecting and
analyzing toxicological evidence.
Extensive
knowledge of the rules of evidence as they relate to the criminal justice
system and the preservation of toxicological specimens.
Knowledge
of the Medical Examiners Commission's regulations concerning storage of
laboratory specimens.
Skill
in laboratory techniques and operation of complex laboratory equipment.
Ability
to plan and supervise the work of subordinates.
Ability
to present expert testimony on laboratory findings.
Ability
to supervise and participate in research and development.
Ability
to write and prepare reports, using basic computer-based applications.
Ability
to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full
accord with the letter and spirit of
Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general
public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse
cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age,
gender, ethnicity disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political
affiliation.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Master’s
degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in
toxicology, chemistry, pharmacology, biology or physics or other field closely
related to this assignment; nine (9) years of experience in a large scale
toxicology laboratory which includes two years of supervisory experience; or
any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must
obtain licensure by the State of
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bargaining
Unit: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: Exempt
Code of Ethics Certification: No
Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E10/76; R12/04; R05/05