Forensic Scientist , II, III; Forensic Chemistry Unit), Grade 20

Forensic Scientist

The anticipated hiring range for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience:

Forensic Scientist I: $$67,672 - $102,385

Forensic Scientist II: $$76,742 - $120,956

Forensic Scientist III: $$83,556 - $134,086

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an accomplished and dynamic forensic science professional to serve as a Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Chemistry Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.

Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.

As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

As a Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Chemistry Unit, you will play a critical role in supporting the justice system by analyzing evidence for the presence of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Your work will help ensure public safety through accurate, high-quality forensic science.

In this role, you will have full technical responsibility for your casework and are expected to independently plan, conduct, and document your analyses. Given the sensitive legal implications of the work, you must apply complex scientific methods with a high degree of accuracy, objectivity, and attention to detail.

This role may involve occasional exposure to harmful chemicals or biohazardous materials present in evidence. Strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods while working at laboratory benches and lifting/carrying evidence containers weighing up to 50 pounds.

Certification by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to independently analyze CDS as a Certified Chemist must be obtained after the training period (COMAR ).

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze physical evidence using accepted techniques such as weighing protocols, macroscopic and microscopic examinations, color tests, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports
• Testify in court as an expert witness, clearly and confidently presenting scientific conclusions to support investigations and legal proceedings
• Maintain strict adherence to quality assurance standards and chain of custody procedures to ensure the integrity of all evidence
• Collaborate with a wide range of contacts, including laboratory staff, law enforcement officers, attorneys, external laboratories, scientific peers, accrediting bodies, and members of the community

Minimum Qualifications:

This position will be filled within the range of Forensic Scientist I through Forensic Scientist III based on prior experience and training. Subsequent promotions within the series are non-competitive and are based on experience.

Experience:

If filled at Forensic Scientist I (Grade 20):
This is an entry-level position as a Forensic Scientist trainee. The incumbent for this level is not expected to be a qualified scientist.

If filled at Forensic Scientist II (Grade 22):
Two (2) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.

If filled at Forensic Scientist III (Grade 25):
Four (4) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.

All Level

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science, and have completed courses in analytical and organic chemistry. Applicants must be eligible for verification by the Maryland Department of Health, meeting requirements described in COMAR 10.10.09.

All Level Equivalency:
An equivalent combination of scientific education and experience may be substituted.

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.

Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal…