Criminalist I (SR-20)

About the role

This class involves performing a variety of standard physical, chemical, instrumental and microscopic analyses of evidence in connection with crime detection and law enforcement work.

Responsibilities

• Examines and analyzes a variety of physical and chemical substances, materials, liquids and other evidence in accordance with prescribed standards, methods and techniques.
• Conducts standardized chemical and physical laboratory tests to determine characteristics or composition of solid, liquid or gaseous materials and substances using standard laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Conducts routine serological tests to determine blood type, origin and chemistry.
• Examines and analyzes drugs such as marijuana and hashish.
• Conducts color screening reagent tests for hard narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and barbiturates.
• Assists with the conduct of ballistics including the preparation of ammunition for selected test-firings such as primer shotgun cartridges.
• Montes specimens for comparison purposes, restores defaced serial numbers on weapons with etching solutions, and records and catalogues test-fired bullets and casings.
• Conducts the more routine microscopic examinations and comparisons of organisms and samples.
• Visits scene of crime to assure proper recovery and preservation of evidence and renders assistance to investigating officers.
• Prepares reagents and performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Appears in court to provide testimony as an expert witness regarding evidence processed.
• Prepares alcohol solutions for various types of breath testing instruments.
• Prepares reports of investigations and analyses conducted.
• Compiles supply list for reagents and supplies for the laboratory.
• Keeps abreast of technical developments in the field of crime detection and criminalistics.

Requirements

• A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, and one (1) year of laboratory work experience involving a variety of chemical analyses.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii, Type 3).

Qualifications

Knowledge of: The principles or general, inorganic, and analytical chemistry; the methods and techniques of chemical laboratory analysis, laboratory procedures and practices; general principles, techniques and terminology used in physical and chemical diagnoses of substances; common drugs, poisons and narcotics; uses and care of laboratory instruments and equipment.

Skills

Ability to: Conduct standard chemical and microscopic examinations, use standard laboratory instruments and equipment; analyze and interpret results of examinations and comparisons; learn to analyze a variety of substances including blood, blood stains, human exudates and excretion, drugs and narcotics; learn to process latent prints; learn to take casts of impressions at the scene of a crime; learn to conduct ballistic tests; keep records and prepare reports of laboratory procedures, observations and findings; explain results of tests, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.