Chemist jobs in New Orleans, LA

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office

Crime Lab

Quality System Procedures Manual Effective ǀ 19 December

Job Description Forensic Scientist 2023

Revision ǀ 1
Job Title Forensic Scientist

Department Crime Lab

Rank Deputy

Reports To Sergeant

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Salary Range Based on Experience

1. Summary

This job description applies to the analysts in the following disciplines: Controlled Substance

Analysis

Apply scientific principles to analysis, identification, and classification of evidence related to

customer requests. Draft analytical reports for use in criminal and civil cases.

Additional duties may be assigned by a commanding officer.

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares reports/presentations/ or testifies to the findings, methods, and techniques used to

support conclusions for investigative purposes, court or other formal hearings.

Analyze evidence to determine chemical/physical properties, identity or common origin of item.

Prepare reagents and standards used in forensic testing and quality control procedures.

Distinguish colors to determine test results.

Operate a variety of technical instrumentation for evidence examination including but not limited

to: Gas Chromatograph, Mass Spectrometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer,

Scanning Electron Microscopes, Stereomicroscopes, Analytical Balances, Compound Microscopes,

and Comparison Microscopes. Particular instrument use will vary with forensic discipline in

practice.

Operate a variety of computer systems for recording, tracking and examining evidence and

reporting results.

Continue training in assigned field through externally or internally provided classes and research

of journals, textbooks or other information resources.

Submit properly packaged and labeled evidence.

Interprets scientific data and proofreads for grammar and punctuation in the review of scientific

reports before issuance.

Contribute to the implementation, maintenance and improvement of the management system.

Contribute to the identification and prevention of departures from policy and procedure.

All Printed Versions are Not Controlled
Approved by Champagne, Alison., Letort, Kenny Page 1 of 3

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office

Crime Lab

Quality System Procedures Manual Effective ǀ 19 December

Job Description Forensic Scientist 2023

Revision ǀ 1

3. Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities

4. Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty

satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or

ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential functions.

5. Education and/or Experience

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological

science or forensic science and successful completion of internal training program are required.

Related experience and training in the relevant field of forensic science is preferred.

In addition, the following disciplines have specific minimum educational requirements

Controlled Substances Analysis: 24 semester hours of chemistry preferred.

Having previous working knowledge of Lab management software and Quality management

software would be beneficial.

6. Language Skills

Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, crime lab policies and procedures, and

government regulations.

Write court worthy reports and professional business correspondence.

Effectively present information and respond to questions from law enforcement personnel,

attorneys, and court officials in written and verbal form.

7. Mathematical Skills

Calculate figures, distance, weights, area, circumference, and volume.

Apply concepts of and utilize fractions, ratios, proportions, and percentages.

Apply concepts of probability, statistical inference, algebra and geometry.

All Printed Versions are Not Controlled
Approved by Champagne, Alison., Letort, Kenny Page 2 of 3

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office

Crime Lab

Quality System Procedures Manual Effective ǀ 19 December

Job Description Forensic Scientist 2023

Revision ǀ 1

8. Reasoning Ability

Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only

limited standardization exists.

Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

9. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Louisiana Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Proof of residency of St. Tammany Parish

Birth certificate

Social Security Card.

10. Physical Demands

Regular use of hands and fingers to handle or feel; Reach above head with hands and arms;

Balance or climb (on steps and ladders); Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; Talk or hear; Smell

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision,

depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

11. Work Environment

The work environment may include exposure to outside weather conditions; toxic or caustic

chemicals; risk of electrical shock; moderate noise levels, and blood borne pathogens.

May be required to work flexible hours and to travel.

All Printed Versions are Not Controlled
Approved by Champagne, Alison., Letort, Kenny Page 3 of 3