DPS - CLD - Crime Lab Technician

Texas A&M International; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M International is seeking a Senior Crime Laboratory Technician to conduct highly complex lab work across Seized Drugs, Toxicology, Biology/DNA, and related duties.

Under limited supervision, you will manage evidence, inventories, and analytical testing while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. A TFSC licensure path may be required, with emphasis on accuracy and quality control in a demanding lab environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent in a natural science field.
• 1+ year of laboratory experience in a related setting.
• Licensure path: forensic analyst license from TFSC may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare buffers, reagents, and stock solutions as needed.
• Oversee evidence handling, including receipt, bar coding, storage, and inventory.
• Maintain a clean, orderly laboratory section.
• Enter/update sample inventory in a computer database.
• Autoclave glassware and hazardous waste as necessary.
• Assist with supply ordering and record-keeping.
• Assist with instrument transfers and equipment installation.
• Perform lab administrative duties related to case receipts.
• Assist in maintenance and repairs of lab equipment.
• Perform quality control testing on reagents and instruments.
• Under supervision, conduct analytical work on case samples.
• Attend work regularly and adhere to attendance policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical reasoning

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Performs highly complex (senior-level) crime laboratory work. Work involves mixing of chemical reagents and performing a variety of technical, maintenance and troubleshooting activities in the crime laboratory, and other general laboratory duties. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

Condition of Employment:

Prior to employment, must provide documentation from a physician of:
1. Visual acuity, and
2. Color vision acuity for Seized Drugs (Options A and C) and Biology/DNA (Options B and C).

All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date.

Current employees, with no acuity testing on file, must provide documentation from a physician before starting in new position.

Required to obtain a forensic analyst license limited to a technician category in the related discipline from the Texas Forensic Science Commission in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01. This applies to the following disciplines: Seized Drugs and Toxicology (Option A), and Biology/DNA (Option B).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. May prepare buffers, reagents, stock solutions, etc., as required by section analysts in the laboratory. Maintain proper stock of supplies in support of laboratory analysts.


• 2. Oversee the maintenance and handling of evidence, including receipt, bar coding, storage, return, destruction, and inventory within the laboratory section.


• 3. Monitor and maintain the laboratory section in a clean and orderly manner.


• 4. May enter and update sample inventory in a personal computer database.


• 5. May autoclave glassware, bio-hazardous waste, reagents, and plasticware as necessary.


• 6. May assist with supply and chemical ordering and maintenance of order records.


• 7. Assist with lab instrument and inventory transfers and install new or transferred equipment. May prepare and/or submit the annual property inventory checklist to the Manager/Supervisor of the Laboratory.


• 8. Perform section administrative duties related to case receipt.


• 9. May assist in the maintenance, and repairs to crime laboratory equipment, hardware, and apparatus.


• 10. May perform quality control testing on reagents and instruments.


• 11. Under the direction of a forensic scientist, may perform analytical work on case samples.


• 12. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.


• 14. Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Crime Laboratory Technician, Seized Drug or Toxicology - Licensed - Minimum of an associate's degree or equivalent.

Experience - Minimum of one (1) year experience in a laboratory environment performing similar tasks to those described above.

Substitution Note: A Bachelor of Science degree in a natural science (chemistry, biology, physics, etc.) with a minimum of 8 hours of Chemistry may be substituted for the experience. (option A and C above.)

Licensure and/or Certification - If driving is required, must possess a valid driver license from state of residence. A forensic analyst license from TFSC (Texas Forensic Science Commission) may be required. This applies to the following disciplines: Seized Drugs and Toxicology (Option A), and Biology/DNA (Option B).

Regulatory knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures related to laboratory operations.

Interpersonal Skills - Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills - Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism.

Presentation/Communication Skills - Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.

Research and Comprehension - Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail - Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) - Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Confidentiality and Protected Information - Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Safety - Must be able to work in safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit;


• Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity;


• Ability to accurately identify colors and discern differences in color, applicable only to Seized Drugs (Options A and C) and Biology/DNA (Options B and C),


• Ability to transfer weights of forty (40) pounds anticipated for this position;

Current DPS employees who submit applications for posted DPS positions shall notify their immediate supervisor in writing.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.