CLASS SPECIFICATION

Class Code: Date Est: Last Rev: Last Title Chg: FLSA:

2228 4/99

exempt

CHIEF TOXICOLOGIST DEFINITION Under general supervision, develops, implements, and manages the operations of the forensic toxicology program designed to support the Sheriffs Department crime lab. Oversees staff engaged in performing an extensive range of chemical analyses; and performs related work as required. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in toxicology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, clinical chemistry, biochemistry, or related field plus five years of full-time experience in forensic toxicology; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience. LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE A valid drivers license. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises direct supervision over Criminalists performing toxicology work. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.) Supervise assigned staff, determining work performance standards, assignment of testing priorities, conducting performance evaluations, providing direction to staff, conducting employment interviews, and handling disciplinary problems. Establish laboratory testing procedures, policies, and techniques to be used in conducting standard and special toxicological analyses to meet existing performance and reporting guidelines. Oversee and participate in the toxicological analyses of forensic specimens to aid in the determination of the cause of death or to establish whether drugs, poisons, chemicals, or other toxic substances were present or absent in the specimens delivered to the laboratory. Review test results to maintain quality control and ensure that predetermined standards have been met. Render expert opinion and testimony in court concerning his examinations or those performed under his direction that is within the realm of laboratory analysis. Maintain all records pertaining to analytical procedures performed on cases submitted for toxicological examination including toxicology requests, toxicology reports, and all charts and other records or data produced during the investigation. Consult with medical personnel, law enforcement agencies, and other laboratories on issues related to laboratory analyses and investigative work. Ensure that assigned personnel perform duties and responsibilities in a safe and prudent manner that does not expose them or others to unnecessary harm or risk of on-the-job injury.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Full Performance (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned.) Knowledge of: Operations, policies, and procedures of the crime lab and Sheriffs Department. Countywide personnel policies and procedures. Computer software specific to the Sheriffs Department crime lab. Entry Level (Applicants will be screened for possession of these through written, oral, performance, or other evaluation methods.) Knowledge of: Principles and practices of management and supervision, including program planning, implementation, and administration. Principles, practices, and current developments in the field of forensic toxicology. Theoretical principles of analytical chemistry and the biological sciences including biochemistry, toxicology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Fundamental concepts of pharmacology, medicine, and the law. Laboratory protocol, procedure, and techniques associated with medico-legal investigative work. The relationship between physiological actions and the pharmacology of the drugs and their clinical effects. The rules of evidence and legal principles related to forensic toxicology work. Ability to: Integrate applications of theoretical chemistry into work decisions and must be able to relate toxicological findings to the broad field of public health. Understand the nature of drug interactions, disease etiology, and the characteristics and nature of an extensive variety of synthetic and naturally occurring toxic substances. Interpret and relate analytical results on causes and manners of death according to professional standards and ethical practices. Perform the most difficult analyses and develop special techniques for the analysis of non-routine specimens. Supervise the staff and operations of a toxicology program and laboratory operations. Interpret, understand, and apply technical reports, statutes, rules, and regulations. Evaluate work priorities, procedures, and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other staff, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, attorneys, and other professionals in the field of toxicology.

Train staff in work methods and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment. Work is performed in a laboratory environment. Ability to tolerate exposure to fumes, odors, and gases. Ability to safely handle hazardous tissue specimens or other bodily fluids. Ability to tolerate exposure to caustic or acidic reagents, potential carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, volatile and flammable solvents, and compressed and explosive gases. Ability to use laboratory equipment such as spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographs, computers, and FAX machine.

This class specification is used for classification, recruitment and examination purposes. It is not to be considered a substitute for work performance standards. Approved WERCCS Job Evaluation Committee Date March, 2001