Forensic Seized Drug Chemist

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist II

Opening Date: February 21, 2025

Closing Date: March 6, 2025

Job Class Code: 6402

Grade: 24 (Pro / Tech)

Salary: $51,688.00- $72,467.20 per year*

• Plus an additional 10% stipend

Position Number: 02000-2327

Location:Augusta

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) Forensic Chemistry Section provides seized drug and forensic toxicology testing services to the citizens of Maine.

This position will perform complex analytical procedures to determine the presence of suspected controlled substances from evidence submitted by law enforcement, interpret and evaluate analytical results for reporting purposes, review and evaluate case contents to ensure work is scientifically valid and meets all laboratory requirements, and prepare written reports and testify as an expert witness in legal proceedings. The position will also assist with validations of new methods, quality assurance tasks including weekly and monthly maintenance on instruments, inventory of chemicals and standards, internal audits, document and procedure review, safety risk evaluations, and scheduling instruments for service.

Core Responsibilities:

As a key member of the HETL team, your core responsibilities will include:

• Maintain care, custody and control of evidence to meet laboratory, legal, and accreditation standards
• Select specimens for testing and determine applicable sampling plans
• Perform basic statistical analyses on results
• Prepare analytical reports that summarize your findings
• Prepare and document the preparation of reagents and standards
• Participate in method and instrument validations
• Provide support to law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys
• Provide testimony in a court of law for criminal proceedings
• Participate in proficiency testing and other quality control programs
• Serve as back up evidence technician as needed

Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and two (2) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have the following qualifications. Please reference them in your cover letter:

• At least 24 semester hours of chemistry
• At least 2 years of experience in a forensic laboratory examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances which includes testifying in a court of law
• Experience using analytical instrumentation such as GC/MS, FTIR, and LC/MS
• Experience with measurement uncertainty and statistical sampling pertaining to controlled substances analysis
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
• Experience working with quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners
• Experience performing analytical method validations
• Previous experience authoring reports
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and LIMS system(s)

Thinking about applying?

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Applica
tion Information:

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

• To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

For additional information about this position please contact Michael Duschenchuk, Forensic Technical Laboratory Director at: HETL.Forensic@Maine.gov

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan- The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.