Criminalist (Drug Analyst)

City of St. Louis, MO • Saint Louis, MO

118d • $244,998 - $269,212

About The Position

Incumbents in this position perform diversified technical duties involving forensic drug analysis. The role requires analyzing physical evidence to determine its chemical identity and preparing written case reports describing the evidence examined and the results of the findings. Additionally, the position involves forwarding case reports for administrative and possible technical review, attending pre-trial conferences, and testifying in criminal court regarding test results.

Requirements

• Ability to perform basic level of data analysis including reviewing, classifying, categorizing, prioritizing and/or referencing data.
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance and/or interpretation to others such as coworkers, attorneys, detectives, and other interested personnel.
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on laboratory equipment.
• Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as lab reports/records, test forms, requisitions, and safety manuals.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to lift specimen samples and lab equipment weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, and odors.
• Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in forensic drug analysis.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols.
• Knowledge of legal procedures related to forensic evidence.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing physical evidence to determine its chemical identity.
• Preparing written case reports describing evidence examined and results of observations and findings.
• Forwarding case reports for administrative review and possible technical review.
• Performing preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and work areas.
• Cleaning and maintaining safety equipment.
• Conducting performance checks on analytical equipment.
• Preparing chemicals needed for analysis and checking chemical reagents against known standards essential to quality control.
• Contacting user agency and legal personnel for information gathering, pre-trial hearings, and trial dates.
• Preparing evidence for court presentation and testifying in criminal court regarding examination results.
• Attending professional meetings and seminars related to the functions of the crime laboratory program.
• Reviewing current literature pertinent to the duties of the position for professional development.
• Assisting in crime scene investigations for case development during or after normal working hours.
• Collecting and packaging potential evidence.
• Assisting in technical and administrative reviews of drug analysis reports.
• Ensuring the maintenance of the drug vaults by contacting both the Circuit Attorney and the U.S. Attorney offices on the status of the drug cases.
• Preparing reagents for drug analysis, sexual assaults, and experimental procedures.
• Using modern methods and professional techniques for analysis as well as the application of scientific instrumentation.
• Reading and writing at the required level to successfully prepare oral and written reports.
• Thinking clearly and logically; using scientific equipment and instrumentation to the optimum benefit of the laboratory.

Benefits

• Full-Time (Permanent) position.
• Potential for career advancement within the Police Department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees