EFFECTIVE DATE; 7/1/88 EEO CODE: A

This class is the managerial level in the Forensic Toxicology series. Positions in this class are responsible for managing the State's central toxicology laboratory in the Bureau of Forensic Science and for serving as the State's authority in Forensic Toxicology. The Toxicology Section includes the State's blood alcohol and drugs-in-blood programs and provides toxicological analysis and evaluation of body fluid and tissue samples submitted by medical examiners and law enforcement agencies. Positions in this class are responsible for managing all activities of the section to include implementing technical methodologies; developing and implementing section objectives, policies, procedures, and practices; coordinating section training activities; and recommending the allocation of staff and resources. This class is distinguished from the Forensic Toxicologist Senior class by the responsibilty for management of State Forensic Toxicology services and by the level of technical authority.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty involving the management and coordination of the State's forensic toxicology function. The work typically involves establishing protocols for the State's central Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; developing, implementing, and interpreting section objectives, policies, and procedures; coordinating and monitoring section proficiency testing and training activities; managing section safety and quality assurance activities; recommending the allocation of staff and resources; serving as the State's authority in forensic toxicology; and communicating with lawyers, law enforcement officials, medical examiners, court personnel, and the general public. Duties also include supervising and evaluating employees; developing employee performance standards and objectives, and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions; conducting complex examinations of legal evidence; preparing and reviewing detailed reports concerning examination results; evaluating the effects of identified drugs/toxins and their concentrations on human behavior and physiology; providing expert testimony in court regarding the evaluation and interpretation of the effects of toxic substances and their concentrations; and supervising proficiency testing and certification of private independent blood alcohol and drug laboratories. Positions must maintain the chain of custody and protect the integrity of evidence.

Supervision Given: Supervises Forensic Toxicologist Seniors, Forensic Scientist Seniors, Forensic Scientists, Analytical Chemist Assistants, office services support personnel, and other scientific or support personnel engaged in complex and semi-complex work.

Supervision Received: Administrative direction is received from a Consolidated Laboratory Assistant Director. Positions are expected to manage all section activities with minimal supervision.

Scope: Work influences all aspects of a statewide forensics section and affects the accuracy and reliability of services provided by that section.

Impact of Actions: Decisions made and review exercised affect the accuracy and adequacy of services provided by the section to law enforcement agencies, commonwealth attorneys, medical examiners, judges, and the general public. Effective decision making and quality performance ensure successful prosecution of criminals, acquittals, and completion of forensic toxicology examinations and criminal investigations.

Personal Contacts: Positions frequently have contact with medical examiners and law enforcement officers to verify and explain results and to explain laboratory capabilities; frequent contact with Clerks of the Court, U.S. Attorneys, and Commonwealth Defense Attorneys to explain results and prepare for court testimony; and with judges and juries to testify in court.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of forensic principles, practices, procedures, and techniques used to prepare, examine, and analyze items of evidence related to toxicology; of court procedures; of rules of evidence; of criminal law; of applicable techniques of criminal investigation; and of principles and practices of management and supervision.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to train and supervise the work of others; to independently perform a variety of complex analyses in toxicology and accurately record observations; to write and present court testimony in an articulate and professional manner; and to work effectively with law enforcement officials, lawyers, judges, other investigative agencies, and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with advanced course work in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field which includes or is related to toxicology.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive forensic experience in the toxicological analysis of biological samples.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new class in the newly established Forensic Toxicology series, effec tive July 1, 1988.