This class is the journey level in the Forensic Scientist Series. Positions function in specific forensic science areas pertaining to firearms, toolmarks, questioned documents, blood and other body secretions, hairs, fibers, minerals, explosives, paint, impressions, latent prints and drug chemistry. Findings are communicated to a court of law through written reports and oral testimony. Positions provide routine instruction in forensic science training programs and may provide technical support at the crime scene. This class is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist Trainee class as the former class is fully qualified to testify in court as an expert witness in their area of specialization. It is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist Senior class that functions in a lead capacity, by the Senior’s responsibility to serve as statewide subject matter experts or function as a single expert in a region of the state.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty requiring the examination and analysis of a variety of types of legal evidence. The work typically involves complex examinations of legal evidence, preparation of detailed reports concerning examination results, and expert testimony in court regarding the evaluation and interpretation of the evidential material. Positions may provide on-site investigative support and instruct law enforcement personnel in the collection and handling of physical evidence. Positions consult with lawyers and law enforcement officials regarding analyses; design and modify testing procedures as necessary; maintain the chain of custody and protect the integrity of the evidence; an may train Forensic Scientist Trainees.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor, but positions may assist in training Forensic Scientist Trainees.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of a Forensic Scientist Supervisor or a Forensic Section Chief. Positions are expected to conduct analyses and provide expert testimony with little direct supervision. Consultation with the supervisor is expected in unusual situations.

Scone: Activities affect law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes and in apprehending and convicting criminal offenders, and medical examiners in determining causes of death.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates criminal investigations by providing information and testimony that will aid in the apprehension and conviction of criminal offenders. The need for absolute accuracy and correct decisions is of extreme importance to ensure the information and testimony provided is based in fact and defensible. Inaccurate evaluations and testimony could result in the lack of a criminal conviction when justified or in inappropriate convictions that would threaten the integrity and credibility of the entire Bureau.

Personal Contacts: Positions have routine internal and external contact with law enforcement officers to receive evidence, explain evidence gathering methods and explain the results of examinations; commonwealth attorneys and lawyers to explain the results and implications of examinations and prepare for court testimony; judges and juries during court testimony; and forensic pathologists regarding the examination of evidence.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of applicable laboratory techniques, analytical procedures, subject matter and laboratory equipment related to the specific discipline; court procedures; rules of evidence; criminal law; and the applicable techniques of criminal investigation.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently perform a variety of complex analyses in the specialty area and accurately record observations; write and present court testimony in an articulate and professional manner; and 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 major course work in a natural or physical science, forensic science or a related area. Course work must include or be related to the specialty area.

Level and Type of Experience: Sufficient experience in forensic science laboratory work to qualify as an expert witness in the specialty area.

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

This class was revised by the Department of General Services and edited and validated by a Classification Review/Specification Update team, effective December 1, 1989.