Forensic Seized Drug Chemist

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Chemist IIOpening Date:
July 10, 2026

Closing Date:
July 23, 2026

Job Class Code: 6402

Grade: 24

Salary: $56,867.20 - $79,705.60 per year
* This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: ,

Location:

Augusta These positions allow for partial telework with manager approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Description:

The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is seeking a Forensic Seized Drug Chemist III to test and analyze controlled substances seized by law enforcement agencies. Using sophisticated instrumentation and techniques to weigh and identify various controlled substances, the Chemist analyzes the samples to determine if illegal or controlled substances are present.

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.

Responsibilities 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:

A Bachelors 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:

At least 2 years of experience in a forensic testing laboratory, specifically the discipline of forensic toxicology

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 with quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures

Experience performing analytical method validations

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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…