1. Completion of 60 semester units or equivalent quarter units that included 8 semester units of general chemistry and 3 semester units of quantitative analysis; or,
2. a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions. Independent travel throughout the County may be required.
Job Description: This is a flexibly staffed series consisting of an entry level and a journey level. Incumbents in this series may flex from Forensic Toxicologist I to Forensic Toxicologist II upon meeting established experience requirements and obtaining appropriate certification issued by the California Department of Public Health.
Forensic Toxicologist I - This is the entry-level class where incumbents use the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired from their educational experience and apply it to forensic toxicology practices. Incumbents learn the principles and practices of forensic toxicology as it relates to testing bodily fluids and tissue samples for the presence of toxins. Incumbents are expected to obtain the Forensic Alcohol Analyst Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health and gain the experience to flex to the Forensic Toxicologist II position within one year.
Forensic Toxicologist II - This is the journey-level class where incumbents work with greater independence and may participate in training the Forensic Toxicologist I. Incumbents at this level also qualify as expert witnesses at all levels of criminal or civil proceedings. The Forensic Toxicologist II is distinguished from the Forensic Toxicologist, Lab Director in that the latter has primary responsibility for operating the forensic laboratory and for performing tests in the most complex, unusual, or controversial cases.
The class of Forensic Toxicologist is further distinguished from the Clinical Laboratory Technologist series by the emphasis in toxicological tests performed for the Coroner, criminal, or other legal investigation rather than for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
About Salary: N/A
Definition: Under supervision and with increasing independence, performs toxicological analysis; provides expert testimony in legal proceedings; operates forensic toxicology laboratory in the absence of the Forensic Toxicologist, Lab Director; and performs related duties as required.