What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemist - Criminal Forensic Scientist (DPS #10101694) position at State of New Mexico?
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic services to over 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners throughout New Mexico. Scientists provide analysis, reports, and testimony in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Chemistry (controlled substances and ignitable liquids). The Forensic Laboratory Bureau consists of laboratories in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs. Our mission is to provide unbiased scientific analysis for federal, state, local and tribal agencies.
Why does the job exist?
Criminal Forensic Scientist-Chemistry. This position performs analysis of criminal evidence to identify (or exclude) controlled substances and reports findings to clients. The position independently classifies, analyzes, and identifies the contents of the evidence. The position routinely testifies in court as an expert witness. Testimony includes actions taken during analysis, the results and conclusions reached through the analysis, laboratory policies, quality control measures, laboratory accreditation, and how evidence is received and handled in the laboratory. The position also conducts peer review of chemistry cases worked by other scientists. In this way, the position supports the justice system by providing timely, accurate, and effective information.
How does it get done?
Who are the customers?
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.
Ideal Candidate
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a national fingerprint-based record check before hire. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony-free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy. Employment will be subject to preemployment drug testing and random employment drug testing. Statewide travel will be required. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License, as well as obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico. For Chemists, a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or in Biology or Forensic Science which must include a minimum of 20 credit hours of chemistry coursework.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Sarah Walterscheid (505) 469-9066 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic services to over 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners throughout New Mexico. Scientists provide analysis, reports, and testimony in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints and Chemistry (controlled substances and ignitable liquids). The Forensic Laboratory Bureau consists of laboratories in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs. Our mission is to provide unbiased scientific analysis for federal, state, local and tribal agencies.
Why does the job exist?
Criminal Forensic Scientist-Chemistry. This position performs analysis of criminal evidence to identify (or exclude) controlled substances and reports findings to clients. The position independently classifies, analyzes, and identifies the contents of the evidence. The position routinely testifies in court as an expert witness. Testimony includes actions taken during analysis, the results and conclusions reached through the analysis, laboratory policies, quality control measures, laboratory accreditation, and how evidence is received and handled in the laboratory. The position also conducts peer review of chemistry cases worked by other scientists. In this way, the position supports the justice system by providing timely, accurate, and effective information.
How does it get done?
- Upholding ethical standards and integrity
- Safely and securely handling criminal evidence
- Preparing samples for analysis using instrumental techniques such as GC-MS, FTIR, HPLC, and GC-IRD.
- Documenting steps followed in the analysis process using a thorough note-taking process.
- Producing formal reports that present the scientist's results and conclusions.
- Providing expert witness testimony in courts of law throughout the State of New Mexico.
- Performing QA/QC to assure quality analysis, evidence integrity, and to maintain accreditation standards.
- Participating in continued proficiency testing and education in Forensic Chemistry
Who are the customers?
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.
Ideal Candidate
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico citizens.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a national fingerprint-based record check before hire. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony-free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy. Employment will be subject to preemployment drug testing and random employment drug testing. Statewide travel will be required. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License, as well as obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico. For Chemists, a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or in Biology or Forensic Science which must include a minimum of 20 credit hours of chemistry coursework.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Sarah Walterscheid (505) 469-9066 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.