Laboratory Name: Medical Examiner & Trauma Services
Broward County
Division of Human Resources- Staffing Services Annex B, 115 S. Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 www.broward.org/careers Jobline 954-357-JOBS
TOXICOLOGIST I - (Medical Examiner & Trauma Services)
Division Medical Examiner/Trauma Services Division Job Status Full-time Broward County Region Southeast (ex: Dania Beach, Hollywood) Location (Libraries or Parks Only) Closing Date 2/15/2013
The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office is one of 24 Medical Examiner Districts in the State of Florida, and is seeking accreditation within the next 24 months. Position requires Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Toxicology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacology, or closely related area, and two (2) years experience in toxicology-related laboratory work; or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must obtain licensure by the State of Florida to perform blood alcohol tests within one (1) year following appointment.
NATURE OF WORK: This is scientific work performing laboratory analyses of body tissues and fluids to determine the presence of toxic materials. Work includes the isolation of drugs and poisons from human tissues and fluids and analysis of these extracts by approved analytical methodology. These tests include thin layer chromatography, UV/Vis, spectrophotometry, various immunoassays, gas chromatography, gas chromatography or mass spectrometry, as well as wet chemical procedures. Work is performed in accordance with recognized theory, principles and techniques. Judgment must be exercised to ensure technical accuracy and precision. Supervision is received from a technical supervisor who aids in resolving special problems and reviews work for completeness, accuracy and professional court presentation. ILLUSTRATIVE
TASKS: Assists with equipment maintenance. Calibrates analytical instrumentation on a routine basis. Determines and records the accuracy and precision of analyses on a routine basis. Logs in laboratory cases. Maintains all continuing education and/or training requirements for the position. May assist with inventories of laboratory supplies and with ordering chemicals.
Participates in quality assurance activities. Participates in quality control testing on a scheduled basis. Performs and records routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation. Performs routine alcohol and drug testing.
Prepares biological specimens for analyses. Prepares technical and narrative reports. Provides court testimony on procedures and laboratory results. Uses a personal computer. Performs related work as required. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Knowledge of analytical analysis and instrumentation. Knowledge of basic scientific principles and practices. Knowledge of Blood Borne Pathogen and chemical safety rules and regulations. Knowledge of chain of custody for handling and storing evidence and specimens. Knowledge of modern principles, scientific methods, and instruments used in analytical toxicology. Knowledge of rules of evidence related to the criminal justice system and preservation of toxicological specimens. Knowledge of the Medical Examiners Commission's regulations concerning which Medical Examiner cases require testing and the types of analyses that should be performed. Skill in laboratory techniques Skill in operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. Skill in sample preparation and drug isolation techniques.
Ability to apply scientific techniques with accuracy and professional judgment. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Ability to use a personal computer and basic office software. Ability to use laboratory and analytical equipment. Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in toxicology, biology, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, or other area closely related to this assignment; two (2) years of experience in toxicology-related laboratory work; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience. GENERAL INFORMATION: Bargaining Unit: GSA - Professional FLSA
Status: Exempt Code of Ethics Certification: No Class Spec.
Established/Revised: E10/1976 R05/2005
Must obtain licensure by the State of Florida to perform blood alcohol tests within one (1) year following appointment. All education and experience must be documented in resume. All supplementary equivalency documentation must be verifiable from a reliable source within the U.S. or its territories or possessions, and information identifying that source must be submitted.
Applications not evidencing the required information will not be considered.
Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. Please provide telephone number on resume.
Pay Range
Hourly Range $21.22 - $32.94
Yearly Range $44,140.51 - $68,508.54
Starting salaries are generally at the minimum of the salary range, or dependent upon demonstrated and related qualifications, to the midpoint.
Skills Required
Skill Years of
Experience Test Required
conduct toxicological analyses 2
prepare reports 2
