Forensic Chemist Technician

Department of Public Safety • Augusta, GA

1d • $20 - $28

About The Position

The State Police Crime Laboratory has three Forensic Chemist Technicians to handle an array of duties and responsibilities essential to lab operations and its mission. This is technical services work involving the examination and testing of physical evidence collected in connection with criminal investigations. Work includes examining and identifying certain types of physical evidence through the use of chemical, physical, and biological tests and procedures; and preparing samples for analysis by forensic scientists. Work is performed under general supervision. A successful candidate will be able to work with other lab scientists, lab partners including, but not limited to, Federal, State, County and Municipal law enforcement professionals, other crime laboratories, accredited vendors, healthcare providers, elected officials, and an array of community resource groups.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic principles of chemistry, biology, and serology.
• Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques, instruments, equipment, and terminology.
• Knowledge of forensic laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of State Police and FBI evidence collection, packaging, and preservation techniques and procedures.
• Ability to prepare samples of blood, body fluids, and trace evidence for examination and storage.
• Ability to perform chemical, immunological, and grouping serological tests of blood and body fluids.
• Ability to perform microscopic and chemical examinations of trace evidence.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to instruct in forensic laboratory subjects.
• An Associate of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and two (2) years experience in forensic laboratory work -OR- an equivalent four (4) year combination of education, training, and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Preference to applicants with professional laboratory experience

Responsibilities

• Prepares samples and performs microscopic and chemical examinations of trace evidence in order to assist forensic scientists in the identification and characterization of hair, fiber, paint, glass, and gunshot residue samples.
• Prepares samples of blood and other body fluids for storage and/or further analysis in order to preserve specimens and assist forensic scientists in the conduct of complex laboratory tests.
• Assists in the processing of crime scenes and vehicles in order to identify and seize physical evidence.
• Packages, marks, receives, and returns physical evidence in order to maintain continuity and integrity of the evidence.
• Instructs and lectures to various groups on forensic laboratory tests and procedures in order to provide information.
• Testifies in court in order to establish continuity of evidence.
• Maintains laboratory safety and cleanliness standards in order to assure worker safety and required testing environment.
• Maintains scientific notebooks and instrument logs in order to record work performed and results obtained.
• Writes and maintains a variety of laboratory records to document information for future reference and retrieval.
• Monitors stock levels of reagents, chemicals, and unit supplies and requests reorders to ensure sufficient supplies/materials to perform required testing and lab services.
• Acts as the lab’s LIMS Administrator
• Responsible for evidence reconciliations

Benefits

• 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.
• 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 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.
• 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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees