Forensic Seized Drug Unit Supervisor

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist III

Opening Date:
February 13, 2026

Closing Date:
February 27, 2026

Job Class Code: 6403

Grade: 27 (Supervisory)

Salary: $68,140.80 - $96,220.80 per year*

* This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number:

Location:

This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) provides seized drug and forensic toxicology testing services to the citizens of Maine. This position will serve as the supervisor of the seized drug testing unit within the Forensic Chemistry section of HETL. Primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit
• Ensuring seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Communicating with law enforcement and the legal community to prioritize rush cases and assist with scheduling analysts for court dates
• Becoming trained and competent in all testing methods to assist with seized drug analysis as needed
• Participating in proficiency testing
• Technically reviewing seized drug cases
• Testifying to results of seized drug cases as needed
• Training new analysts
• Participating in annual internal audits
• Leading validations of new instruments and methods

A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Ability to meet the State of Maine certification standards for Persons Conducting Chemical Analysis for the Detection and Identification of Drugs (DHHS Rule 10-144 Chapter 266)
• At least six years’ experience in a forensic/analytical laboratory with at least two years’ experience in a supervisory role
• At least 24 college credit hours of Chemistry
• Experience working in an accredited Forensic Laboratory and knowledge of ANAB Forensic Testing Laboratory Accreditation including ISO/IEC 17025 and AR 3125 standards
• Experience working with forensic quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• Experience examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances
• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC/MS
• Knowledge of seized drug related standards and recommendations (SWGDRUG, OSAC, etc.)
• Experience testifying in a court of law as a forensic expert witness
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, LIMS and instrumentation software
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners

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 experience and passion set you apart.

The Department of Health and Human Services 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.

For additional information about this position please contact Samson Omole, Health & Environmental Testing Laboratory Director at .

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.

Hernandez