Trace Evidence Chemist
Harris County
Houston, TX 77054
$70,000 - $74,000 a year
Description
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 Evidence Chemist 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 supported by analytical findings; testifies in court procedures regarding analyses performed
- Performs and documents routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair of associated instrumentation.
- Operates SEM-EDS 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 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
- 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 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
- Office / laboratory setting
- 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
-
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.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
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