City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

DNA EXAMINER (Analyst) (6050)

                     Grade 9: $50,000 - $55,000

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to perform biological analysis within the scope of a crime scene investigation with the purpose of linking suspects. Work performed at the Department of Public Safety Forensic Lab, 898 Goff Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provide technical and advanced level work involving the application of advanced laboratory techniques, materials, equipment and instruments in analyzing and typing DNA from body fluids and tissues obtained at crime scenes or elsewhere for investigative and prosecution purposes. 

Performs laboratory processing of assigned cases: conducts body fluid identification tests; conducts microscopic analysis of hair or semen samples; extracts DNA; performs DNA real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis; performs DNA amplifications and electrophoresis; analyzes results of laboratory testing; and prepares and submits case reports.

Provides expert testimony in court cases: answers questions and provides information regarding DNA processing techniques, evidence collection, preservation methodology, etc.; and prepares visual aids as needed.

Operates sophisticated laboratory equipment in conducting tests; completes reports of results of analyses and communicates results to appropriate department personnel.

Perform work in accordance with standardized laboratory methods and controls to ensure accurate and verifiable analyses of specimens. 

Ensures equipment, machinery, tools, and supplies are properly used, inventoried, and maintained at all times: calibrates equipment; monitors logs, records and software;

Assists in formulating laboratory policies and procedures: establishes, updates and implements test procedures in consultation with supervisor, industry best practices, and accreditation and certification standards; writes and amends safety rules and regulations, quality assurance manuals, and standard operating procedures; and communicates procedures, safety rules, accreditation and certifications requirements and other information to subordinates.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Operates or uses various equipment, tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains automated DNA extraction instrument, real-time polymerase chain reaction instruments and reagents, capillary electrophoresis instrument, and other laboratory equipment and supplies.

Communicates with City officials, supervisor, other employees, attorneys, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of a supervisor.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have the educational background to qualify as a DNA technical leader. At a minimum, a Master’s degree in a biology, chemistry or forensic science related area with a combination of undergraduate and graduate course work covering biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and statistics/population genetics.

One (1) year experience working in a forensic laboratory environment and have participated/conducted validation studies in biological fluids identification, DNA extraction and quantitation, and PCR-STR DNA amplification procedures.

Must have documented formal training in forensic DNA casework analysis, including evidence processing, DNA extraction and quantitation, PCR-STR DNA typing, data and mixture interpretation, CODIS eligibility requirements, report writing and court room testimony.

Must have passed external competency tests in forensic body fluid identification and STR-DNA typing methodologies.

Must be familiar with the FBI quality assurance standards for forensic DNA testing laboratories and the ISO 17025 international standards for the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

Have demonstrated competency in molecular biological techniques by being published in a peer review journal in areas related to molecular biology.

Have prior teaching experience in a forensic related field.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to coordinate, manage, and/or correlate data.  Includes exercising judgment in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations, in referencing data analyses to determine necessity for revision of organizational components, and in the formulation of operational strategy.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as a first-line supervisor, including instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and evaluating employee job performance.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information, such as case reports, proficiency test reports, audit and correction reports, and budget documentation.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as electric currents, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, disease, and pathogenic substances. 

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. THE CITY OF ORANGEBURG IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER.