Forensic Scientist I

Agency Dept of Justice Division State  Crime Lab Investigation Job Classification Title Forensic Scientist I (S)
Position NumberGradeNC
14

About UsThe North Carolina Department of Justice, led by the Attorney General of North Carolina, represents the state, state agencies, and elected officials, and defends the rights of the people of North Carolina. The Department handles all state criminal appeals cases and assists district attorneys with complex criminal cases at their request. Additionally, the Department of Justice includes the North Carolina State Crime Lab, the North Carolina Justice Academy, and the Sheriffs’ and Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Divisions.

Description of Work Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $56,650

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date listed.

The primary purpose of the Drug Chemistry Section is to provide the North Carolina Criminal Justice System with trained and experienced forensic scientists who analyze evidence seized in the course of criminal investigations. The forensic services provided include laboratory analysis and expert witness testimony in the areas of controlled substances, drug dilution, drug tampering, and clandestine drug laboratories. The primary purpose of this Forensic Scientist I is to perform entry level casework - an equitable share of the analyses performed by the Section, prepare written reports of the results of the analyses;

provide expert testimony in court on the results of the analyses.

CASE WORK and REPORT WRITINGThe Forensic Scientist I performs casework on various types of evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers in the course of drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence, and cases that involve tampering of food products. Examples of this evidence may include, but not be limited to unknown powders,tablets, botanicals, and liquids.

COLLATERAL DUTIESForensic Scientists help to maintain the laboratory equipment and instrumentation and may perform repairs. Forensic Scientists, using current SOPs, prepare chemical reagents and solvents, and perform and document quality control tests on chemical reagents, solvents, equipment, and instrumentation. The Forensic Scientist in this position will assist aForensic Scientist II with their collateral duties, as assigned.

PEER REVIEW OF CASEWORKThis position is responsible for the technical review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed, and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation. This position will review reports related to drug investigations with the exception of clandestine laboratory evidence, drug tampering/dilution evidence and cases that involve tampering of food products.

COURT TESTIMONY and COMMUNICATIONThe Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence. The Forensic Scientist participates in competency and proficiency testing.

Overtime may be required based on operational needs

Some travel, including some occasional overnight stays are required

The selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes:polygraphcredit and arrest checksinterviews with associates to include personal and business references, past employers, and neighborsverification of education achievementfingerprintingurinalysis drug screening

Out of state applicants:
After the initial interview, this may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense to undergo the background investigation process.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

/Management Preferences At least two years of laboratory experience, to include the use of GCMS and/or FTIR instrumentation

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an…