Forensic Chemist

The Onondaga County Health Department is currently accepting applications for the position of:

Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics) I, II or III

Location:  Wallie Howard Jr. Center for Forensic Sciences

Forensic Laboratories

100 Elizabeth Blackwell Street

Syracuse, NY 13210 

Salary: $63,068-$81,833 DOE

Hours of work: 35 hours per week 

Official job description, including minimum qualifications, can be found on the Personnel page at Onondaga County Job Descriptions. Applicants must submit a completed Onondaga County application (P-200), Supplemental Questionnaire (P-202) along with a cover letter, curriculum vitae/resume, and transcript(s) to:

Lauren Pyland

Director of Operations 

laurenpyland@ongov.net

JOB DUTIES

The work involves responsibility for performing chemical tests and analyses in the evaluation of physical evidence. Under the technical supervision of a senior level Forensic Chemist, with administrative direction from the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class performs technical, scientific work in the conduct of analytical and laboratory procedures utilized in crime detection, which may include the chemical analysis and identification of drugs and trace evidence. An employee in this class typically reduces conclusions and findings to writing in the form of reports and appears as an expert witness during litigation. An employee in this class operates a variety of scientific instruments in performing chemical analyses. The Forensic Chemist III may assist administrative supervisors in developing operating procedures, training programs for staff and user agency personnel, casework management and maintaining quality assurance programs. General supervision is received from the Senior Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics). Does related work as required. All work is performed in accordance with Federal and State accreditation requirements and departmental procedure manuals and guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Level I: 

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees within the last ten years with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field which must have included a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours in chemistry

Level II: 

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours (graduate/undergraduate) in chemistry, and two (2) years of full time paid technical level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in a forensic laboratory performing work equivalent to a Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics).

Level III: 

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field which must include a minimum of twenty (20) semester credit hours (graduate/undergraduate) in chemistry, and five (5) years of full time paid technical level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in a forensic laboratory performing work equivalent to a Forensic Chemist (Criminalistics).

NOTE: (Education may be substituted for experience as follows: A Master’s Degree or a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field can be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience for level III only.)

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Applicants will be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation which will include a fingerprint check to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for the position is $63,068 to $81,833 depending on qualifications and experience, with scheduled annual increases, and a competitive benefits package:

•Medical, dental and vision coverage

•Annual vacation, sick, personal leave, and paid holidays

•New York State Retirement/Pension and Deferred Compensation Program

•Flexible Spending Accounts

•No-cost Long Term Disability

•35-hour work week

•Optional 4-day work week

TO APPLY

Please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae and transcript(s) to:

Lauren Pyland, Director of Operations at laurenpyland@ongov.net

Deadline for applications: April 21, 2024

Onondaga County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer