Trace Evidence Chemist

Position Description

About Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:

Mission

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

Vision

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Trace Forensic Chemist 2 / Fire Debris Overview:

The Trace Evidence Chemist receives, inventories, processes, analyzes, and reports on forensic trace evidence, primarily gunshot residue and fire debris evidence, and provides expert testimony in court; operates and maintains laboratory instruments; rigorously follows all safety and quality assurance / quality control procedures, and ensures the laboratory remains in compliance with accreditation standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receives, inventories, and processes forensic gunshot residue and fire debris evidence; prepares written reports that support analytical findings; testifies in court procedures regarding analytical procedures performed
• Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation.
• Operates SEM and GC-MS instrumentation
• Performs safety and quality assurance / quality control duties including serving as a QM liaison; controls and maintains supplies in accordance with laboratory procedures; performs routine laboratory upkeep duties such as discarding biohazard trash, organizing laboratory work and storage areas, and maintaining laboratory cleanliness
  
  
  

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .

This position is subject to a criminal history check.

Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AS ATTATCHMENT

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a physical or natural science from an accredited university
• Must have minimum of 16 semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework above general coursework from an accredited university and 3 semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level statistics course
  
  
  

Licensure:

• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission required within 1 year of employment
• American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification required within 3 years of employment
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
  
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and during employment)
• As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures. Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post-employment. The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post-employment
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements of the ANSI – ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program ISO 17025
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and hazardous materials handling
• Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
  
  
  

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education/Memberships:

• Membership in a professional forensic organization such as American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE)
  
  
  

Experience:

• Experience in testing and analysis of gunshot residue and/or fire debris evidence
  
  
  

General Information

Position Type, Salary, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time | Regular
• 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday, in office
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if needed
  
  
  

Work Environment:

• Office / laboratory setting
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
• May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens
• Requires physical strength to lift up to 50 pounds in the routine performance of duties
  
  
  

Work Location:

• Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences 1861 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054
  
  
  

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.