Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs complex forensic analysis of blood samples for the presence of alcohol and other volatiles. Utilizes advanced methodologies such as preparing reagents and standard solutions using volumetric glassware, forensic sample preparation using Piston-Operated Volumetric Apparatus (POVA), and sample analysis using Headspace-Gas Chromatography (HS-GC). Interprets complex forensic instrument results, including identifying and addressing unusual or ambiguous findings, and authors detailed technical case reports summarizing evidence and analysis. Ensures Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) by performing monthly checks on the evidentiary breath instruments for the unit. Ensures compliance in the use of the breath alcohol instruments to assist the department’s Impaired Driving Enforcement (IDE) program. Supports the evidentiary breath alcohol testing program by coordinating with Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), facilitating instrument repairs, and performing basic troubleshooting as needed.
- Performs technical and administrative reviews of toxicology unit laboratory reports for quality assurance compliance for accreditation in accordance with American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and AR 3125:2023 Standards. Performs internal audits and assessments on the laboratory to ensure compliance for accreditation in accordance with ANAB Forensic Testing: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and AR 3125:2023 Standards.
- Performs portions of validation of new instrumentation or methods for toxicology analysis. Performs troubleshooting, repairs, routine maintenance, and quality assurance checks on critical equipment and reagents used in blood and breath alcohol analysis. Assists with coordinating casework outsourcing or other unique toxicology unit sample workflow initiatives. Works with unit leadership to resolve equipment issues, open service calls, and perform troubleshooting when necessary. Monitors laboratory inventory, ordering supplies and consumables as needed by the toxicology unit.
- Provides leadership and guidance to assigned staff, prioritizes and assigns work, ensures work quality and timely completion, and acts as a subject matter expert. Assists in training new analysts in key areas, including visual evidence examination, blood sample preparation, HS-GC use, and ethanol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Observes expert testimony of other examiners for annual testimony evaluation.
- Provides trial preparation for the prosecution and defense interviews, unbiased expert courtroom testimony, and prepared exhibits for courtroom use. Testifies as an expert witness in any of the following: Federal Court, Superior Court, City Court, Juvenile Court, civil trials, evidentiary hearings, and grand juries.
- Provides customer service to the crime laboratory’s criminal justice partners and community members. Gathers and analyzes data to respond to complex disclosure requests from various information systems used by the department and to communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders. Assists the leadership and police records team in gathering information and fulfilling public records requests. Provides crime laboratory tours and training for commissioned and professional personnel, educational institutions, and the public. Attends outside public relations and public speaking opportunities. Instructs portions of law enforcement officer’s training in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Pre-School, and Drug Evaluation and Classification Programs.
- Remains current on scientific advancements and discipline specific topics in the field of forensic toxicology through the review of technical publications, presentations, and training in order to apply appropriate methodologies and procedures. Maintains compliance with the ANAB requirements for participating in external proficiency testing.
- Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.
Requirements
Education
Experience
- Five (5) years of directly related experience
Equivalency
- Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in toxicology or alcohol testing in an internationally accredited laboratory.
- Previous experience testifying in court as an expert witness or public speaking.
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