ABOLISHED 02/02/2017 PER PAY LETTER 17-11 - Forensic Scientist Toxicologist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established March 17, 1982

Scope

This series specification describes five classifications used within the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct toxicological analyses, experimentation, and investigation of blood and urine samples submitted from persons suspected of vi​olating the law while under the influence of drugs; to testify in court procedures and hearings as a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist expert; coordinate and supervise these activities; and to do other related work.

Definition of Series

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologists perform a wide variety of duties involving the analyses, interpretation, identification, and detection of drugs in the blood or urine of suspects; appear in court to testify as expert witnesses to explain and illustrate the techniques and applications used for the interpretation of drug levels regarding the impairment of the abilities and faculties of suspects; and develop reports for Department distribution and distribution to local law enforcement and other agencies.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Typically limited to the Forensic Toxicology Program within the Bureau of Forensic Services, Division of Law Enforcement, Department of Justice. The complexity, scope, and difficulty of toxicology work in body fluid samples held for analysis; the degree of independence and judgment required in making determinations; the consequences of erroneous decisions; and supervisory responsibilities are differentiating factors between classes.

Definition of Levels

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist Trainee

This is the entry and training level for new Forensic Scientist-Toxicologists with little or no toxicology experience. Incumbents will perform basic forensic toxicological operations, receive intensive training, and assist in routine laboratory functions and maintenance.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist I

This is the subjourney level of the series. Under general direction, Forensic Scientist-Toxicologists I will perform routine technical forensic toxicological analyses, assist higher level toxicologists in the scientific examinations of crime and assist in routine laboratory functions and maintenance. Incumbents will be expected to promote to Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II as they become fully trained and have gained the necessary planned experience.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II

This is the first journey level of the series. Incumbents are assigned the less complex forensic toxicological analyses and perform routine laboratory functions and maintenance.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist III

This is the full journey and fully qualified specialist level of the series. Incumbents are assigned the more complex forensic toxicological analyses and perform routine laboratory functions and maintenance. In some instances, incumbents may serve as leadpersons to coordinate the work of lower level Toxicologists.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist IV

This is the supervisory level of the series. The incumbent plans, organizes, and supervises the work of a group of subordinate toxicologists and other technical support staff assigned to the Forensic Toxicology Program, and directs the statewide activities of the Program. On occasion, the incumbent may perform the most difficult and sensitive forensic toxicological analyses, prepare reports, and testify in court as an expert witness.

Minimum Qualifications

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist Trainee

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Toxicology or a closely related specialty, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry, three semester hours of quantitative analysis and eight semester hours of organic and/or biochemistry. Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must provide proof of graduation or its equivalent before they are eligible for appointment.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist I

Either I

Six months' experience in the California state service performing the duties or a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist Trainee or Laboratory Technician (Criminalistics). and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Toxicology or a closely related specialty.

Or II

Experience: One year of recent experience in Toxicology or Chemistry, to include independent responsibility for the quantitative and qualitative analyses of biological specimens for drugs or xenobiotics. Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least six months performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist Trainee or Laboratory Technician (Criminalistics). and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Toxicology or a closely related specialty. (Graduate education in toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of one year of education equals six months of the required experience.)

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist I.

Or II

Experience: Two years of recent experience beyond the trainee level in Toxicology or Chemistry, to include work in the analyses of physiological specimens for forensically significant drugs. This experience must have included at least one year as a Toxicologist or Chemist having independent responsibility for making quantitative and qualitative analyses of biological specimens for drugs or xenobiotics. Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist I. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Toxicology or a closely related specialty. (Graduate education in toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of one year of education equals six months' experience.)

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist III

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II.

Or II

Experience: Four years of recent experience beyond the trainee level performing forensic toxicology, to include work in the analyses of physiological specimens for forensically significant drugs and the interpretation of drug levels with respect to impairment of abilities. This experience must have included at least two years as a Toxicologist having independent responsibility for making quantitative and qualitative analyses of biological specimens for drugs or xenobiotics. Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Toxicology or closely related specialty. (Graduate education in toxicology or a closely related field may be substituted for up to three years and six months of the required experience on the basis of one year of education equals six months' experience.)

Or III

Experience: Six months of postdoctoral experience in toxicology or a closely related specialty. and

Education: Ph.D. in Toxicology or a closely related specialty.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist IV

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist III.

Or II

Experience: Five years of recent experience in forensic toxicology, to include work in the analysis of physiological specimens for forensically significant drugs, and the interpretation of drug levels with respect to impairment of abilities. This experience must have included at least three years as a Toxicologist having independent responsibility for making quantitative and qualitative analyses of biological specimens for drugs or xenobiotics. Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist III. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a Master's Degree in Toxicology or a closely related specialty.

Or III

Experience: One year of postdoctoral experience in forensic toxicology. and

Education: Ph.D. in Toxicology or a closely related specialty.

Knowledge and Abilities

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist Trainee

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist I

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist II

Knowledge of: Modern methods of professional techniques for the analysis of xenobiotics, applications of scientific instrumentation such as gas chromatography, ultraviolet, visible spectrophotometry​, and gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry.

Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; prepare written and oral reports; develop and maintain friendly and cooperative relations with law enforcement officials and others; think clearly and logically, use scientific equipment and instrumentation to the optimum benefit of the Forensic Toxicology Program.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist III

Knowledge of: All of the above, and the analysis of physiological fluids seeking the presence of drugs or metabolites that are directly related to modifying human behavior.

Ability to: All of the above, and prepare exhibits and presentations for court testimony.

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist IV

Knowledge of: All of the above, and methods of supervision; the Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and assign, direct, and supervise the work of a group of subordinates engaged in forensic toxicology examinations; and effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Education and/or experience beyond that required in the "Minimum Qualifications".

Forensic Scientist-Toxicologist IV

Experience as a team leader, supervisor, or administrator of technicians/professionals, preferably in a toxicological program.

Class History