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 II - (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 4/26/2013
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, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biology, or Physics, or closely related area, and four (4) years experience performing toxicological or other chemical-based tests in a large scale toxicology laboratory; 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.
Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology or obtain such certification within 3 years of start of employment. NATURE OF WORK: This is advanced and independent laboratory work analyzing post-mortem and ante-mortem (DUI) specimens. Work involves performing difficult physical and chemical analyses to determine the presence and quantity of drugs and/or other toxic substances using advanced laboratory techniques, materials, and instruments. Incumbent testifies as an expert in depositions and trials. Work may also include supervising subordinate professional and technical personnel and developing new laboratory techniques and procedures. Work is performed independently within established procedures and reviewed by a professional supervisor through conferences, written reports, and observation.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from Toxicologist I by the greater experience required and the ability to testify as an expert in depositions and trials. ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS: Assists in the evaluation of new procedures. Assists with equipment maintenance as required.
Calibrates analytical instrumentation as required. Determines and records the accuracy and precision of analyses as required. Inventories laboratory supplies and orders chemicals. Logs in laboratory cases as assigned.
Testifies as an expert in depositions and trials. Maintains all continuing education/training requirements for the position. May supervise subordinate professional and technical personnel. Oversees equipment maintenance and quality assurance programs. Participates in quality control testing on a scheduled basis. Performs and records routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation as required. Performs blood alcohol tests. Performs routine alcohol and drug testing. Performs routine and complex analyses for drugs in body tissues and fluids. Prepares biological specimens for analyses as needed. Prepares reports and testifies in court as an expert witness regarding laboratory results and the interpretation of the results. Prepares technical and narrative reports. Uses a personal computer. Performs related work as required. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Considerable knowledge of the rules of evidence as they relate to the criminal justice system and the preservation of toxicological specimens. Considerable knowledge of modern principles, scientific methods, and instruments used in analytical toxicology. Considerable knowledge of basic scientific principles and practices. Considerable knowledge of analytical analysis and instrumentation.
Knowledge of the Medical Examiners Commission regulations concerning which Medical Examiner cases require testing and the types of analyses that should be performed. Knowledge of chain of custody for handling and storage of evidence and specimens. Knowledge of Blood Borne Pathogen and chemical safety rules and regulations. Skill in sample preparation and drug isolation techniques. Skill in laboratory techniques. Skill in operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. Ability to apply scientific techniques with accuracy and professional judgment. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Ability to communicate various aspects of toxicological analyses to non-technical parties. Ability to evaluate and conduct new procedures and techniques. Ability to perform scientific and statistical calculations.
Ability to plan and assign the work of subordinates. 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, chemistry, pharmacology, biology, or physics, or other area closely related to this assignment; four (4) years of experience performing toxicological or other chemical-based tests in a large scale toxicology laboratory; 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 R5/2005
Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology or obtain such certification within 3 years of start of employment. 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 $28.68 - $44.51
Yearly Range $59,654.40 - $92,586.42
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
serve as an expert/court witness 1
conduct toxicological analyses 4
Verbal Business Communication 4
prepare reports 4
