State of Maryland

An MSP Forensic Scientist III is the full performance level of work in the chemical, biological, pattern, or trace analysis of criminal evidence in the Forensic Sciences Division of the Maryland State Police (MSP).  Employees in this classification perform laboratory tests or comparative analyses in one forensic science unit (i.e. Controlled Dangerous Substances-CDS Unit, Toxicology Unit, Biology Database Unit, Biology Casework Unit, Firearms/Toolmarks Unit, Latent Print/Impressions Unit, Trace Evidence Unit, Questioned Documents Unit).  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions, but may provide guidance and advice to less experienced staff.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an MSP Forensic Scientist Supervisor.  Work may be performed in a laboratory setting or at crime scenes located throughout the State.  Employees in this classification may be required to work overtime.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous agents requiring the use of safety equipment.  Employees are subject to call in on a 24-hour basis.

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The MSP Forensic Scientist I, MSP Forensic Scientist II and MSP Forensic Scientist III are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The MSP Forensic Scientist I performs duties under close supervision.  The MSP Forensic Scientist II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending upon the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The MSP Forensic Scientist III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.   The MSP Forensic Scientist III is differentiated from the MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced in that the MSP Forensic Scientist Advanced has been certified by the MSP Forensic Sciences Director to have met  all of the advanced level competency requirements to function in more than one forensic science unit and maintains proficiency to perform analysis within those units; function as Training Coordinators or Team Leaders in forensic sciences units; or function as Database Coordinators for one the national individual characteristics database programs participated in by the MSP Forensic Sciences Division.

Conducts laboratory tests or comparative analyses of physical evidence;

Prepares scientific reports to document evidence examined, laboratory and comparative analysis methods used and conclusions reached;

Receives, logs and stores submitted evidence in accordance with the chain of custody rules and regulations;

Operates, maintains and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation and other  specialized equipment to ensure integrity of results;

Testifies in court as an expert witness about the chain of custody, design and results of tests conducted and the conclusions reached;

Designs and prepares exhibits of tested physical evidence for use in court proceedings in order to assist in the prosecution of criminal cases;

Attends and successfully completes all required competency and certification training;

Completes specialized technical work in the authentication of criminal evidence;

Reviews professional journals and publications and attends seminars, workshops and professional meetings to keep abreast of current trends, research and technological developments;

Maintains case records and files in accordance with accreditation standards;

May conduct crime scene investigations to gather physical evidence for scientific testing and fact finding;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of college-level biology, chemistry or forensic science technology used in crime laboratories;

Knowledge of crime lab procedures and practices, research methods, analytical instrumentation and equipment as applied to the work in a crime laboratory;

Knowledge of the theory and operation of laboratory chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a crime laboratory;

Knowledge of police investigative procedures concerning physical evidence associated with the commission of a crime;

Knowledge of criminal trial proceedings related to the rules of evidence;

Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures related to handling physical evidence;

Skill in understanding and following crime lab procedures and policies;

Skill in conducting analyses, analyzing test data and drawing accurate conclusions;

Skill in the application of standard precautions in handling potentially infectious biological materials or hazardous chemicals;

Skill in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment;

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare scientific reports in a manner acceptable for admission in a court of law;

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and customers.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, medical technology, pharmaceutical science, or related physical, natural or forensic science from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of experience in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence including experience in providing testimony as an expert witness in moot or criminal court.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience performing comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence to include experience in providing expert testimony, on a year-for-year basis for the required education and up to two years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute additional experience at another accredited crime laboratory performing equivalent work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree in the above physical, natural or forensic sciences from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree in the above physical, natural or forensic sciences from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require theoperation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Candidates appointed to this classification must possess the certification or license required by the governing body of the forensic discipline associated with the job duties for the specific position. Specific information concerning the requirements and procedures of the applicable governing body can be obtained from the Human Resources office of the Maryland Department of State Police, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.

1. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, are required to provide the agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to random substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

3. In accordance with Public Safety Article, Section 2-204 (b) (6) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening, a physical examination, submission of a DNA sample, and a complete criminal background investigation, to include a polygraph examination before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction may be grounds for rejection of the candidate.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.   An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.