Toxicology Technician

Position Description

Mission

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

Vision

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
• To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Brief Toxicology Technician Overview:

The Toxicology Technician (Technician 2) is an entry level position in forensic toxicology, expected to operate basic analytical instrumentation, report findings, prepare evidence for analysis, receive evidence, and maintain laboratory supplies of reagents and consumable items.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Laboratory support: Performs sample preparation techniques; receives, inventories, and stores evidence; prepares test reagents and maintains supplies
• Performs laboratory upkeep duties including inventory monitoring and reordering of laboratory supplies
• Casework analysis and reporting: Performs toxicological analyses including ELISA, CO-oximetry, and chemistries; critically evaluates instrumental data; reports results supported by analytical findings

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

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Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, toxicology or a closely related field from an accredited university and meet the Toxicology Analyst (General, Non-interpretive or Interpretive) coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule §651.207
• A minimum of 16 credit hours (or equivalent) of college-level chemistry beyond general chemistry
• Three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course
• Two three-semester credit hour (or equivalent) in college-level analytical chemistry (Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, Spectroscopic Analysis, or similarly named course) or interpretive science (Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology or similarly named course

Licensure:

• Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission within one year from date of hire; maintained for the duration of employment

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with a scientific laboratory environment, including reagent preparation, routine laboratory equipment (i.e., balances, pipettes, and glassware) and safety procedures
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Strong written and oral communication skills; and ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

• Completed documented training program in Forensic Toxicology

Experience:

• Experience in a scientific laboratory
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Licensure/ Certification:

• Licensed by the Texas Forensic Science Commission

General Information

Position Type & Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time; 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary

Physical Requirements:

• Medium work.
• Requires physical strength to lift and handle large and heavy items of physical evidence, chemical supplies, and laboratory equipment weighing up to forty (40) pounds in the routine performance of duties

Work Environment:

• Office / laboratory setting
• May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens and will require training in Universal Precautions
• Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals

Location:

• Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences - 1861 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Benefits

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com