Forensic Chemist Technician - Agency Only

Augusta , Maine , United States | Law Enforcement | Full-time

Apply by: April 2, 2025

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Department of Public Safety - Maine State PoliceJob Class Code:7043

Grade: 18/Professional & Technical

Salary: $19.88-$27.67/Hour (Salary includes 4.5% Stipend)

Location: AugustaOpening Date: March 19, 2025Closing Date: April 2, 2025

The Maine State Police Crime Laboratory Forensic Chemist Technicians 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, as well as preparing samples for analysis by forensic scientists. Work is performed under general supervision.

A successful candidate will have knowledge of basic principles of chemistry, biology and serology, forensic laboratory techniques, instruments, equipment, terminology, knowledge of State Police and FBI evidence collection, packaging, and preservation techniques; be able to perform chemical, immunological, and grouping tests of blood and body fluids, perform microscopic and chemical examinations of trace evidence; and be able to work and communicate effectively orally, or in writing, 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, and instruct in forensic laboratory subjects.

Primary responsibilities include:

• 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.

• 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, unit supplies and requests reorders to perform required testing and lab services.

• Acts as the lab’s LIMS Administrator

• Responsible for evidence reconciliations

This position will report to the lab’s section supervisor assigned.

Skills or knowledge required:

• 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 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.

Minimum qualifications:

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.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class).

Some positions require certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician as issued by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Forensic science laboratory experience

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Michael Zabarsky 207-624-7100

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

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 thepremium 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) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

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.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.