DPS - CLD - Crime Laboratory Technician

Texas A&M International; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of Public Safety, Crime Laboratory is seeking a licensed Crime Laboratory Technician in Toxicology to perform highly complex laboratory work including preparation, analysis, and inventory control within a professional crime laboratory setting.

Requirements include an associate degree (or higher) with at least one year in a lab environment; licensing within 180 days of employment and TFSC certification may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate's degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year experience in a laboratory environment.
• Bachelor of Science degree in a natural science may substitute for the experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare buffers, reagents, and stock solutions as required.
• Oversee evidence handling including bar coding, storage, and inventory.
• Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment; update sample inventory.
• May assist with lab instrument transfers and equipment installation.
• Perform quality control testing on reagents and instruments.
• Under supervision, perform analytical work on case samples.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Attention to detail

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Job Title DPS - CLD - Crime Laboratory Technician, Toxicology (licensed) - 6122

***Copies of Official Transcripts indicating conferred degree are required (Applications without copies of Official Transcripts indicating conferred degree attached at the time of application will be subject to rejection).***

***Salary is dependent on obtaining required licensing within 180 days of employment.***

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

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).

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.

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.

13. Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Education

- 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.

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.

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 accurately identify colors and discern differences in color, applicable only to Seized Drugs 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.

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