Forensic Scientist I

Agency

Dept of Justice

Division

State Crime Lab Investigation

Job Classification Title

Forensic Scientist I (S)

Position Number

60010706

Grade

NC14

About Us

The 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 - $60,619

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

Successful hire must live and train in Raleigh, NC for the entire training period. Once training is successfully completed, this position will be permanently assigned to the Triad Toxicology Section in Greensboro, NC. The training period for this position is approximately 2 years.

The Forensic Scientist I will complete prescribed Toxicology training requirements before beginning casework. Once training is completed
successfully, the Forensic Scientist I will perform entry level Toxicology 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.

The Forensic Scientist I performs casework on toxicology evidence seized by Law Enforcement officers in the course of Driving While Impaired (DWI) investigations. Forensic Scientists in this position also analyze the alcohol concentration of liquids. The evidence is analyzed to determine the presence or absence of impairing substances. Some or all the following screening and confirmation techniques are used in the analysis: Headspace Gas Chromatography Immunoassay Solid phase extractions Liquid-Liquid extractions Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

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:
• polygraph
• credit and arrest checks
• interviews with associates to include personal and business references, past employers, and neighbors
• verification of education achievement
• fingerprinting
• urinalysis 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.

The State Crime Laboratory accepts, finds, preserves, and provides scientific forensic analysis of evidence for the criminal justice community.
The forensic services provided include in-lab analyses, technical field assistance, and expert witness testimony in the following areas: Digital
Evidence, Drug Chemistry, Firearm & Tool Mark, Forensic Biology, DNA Database, Latent Evidence, Toxicology and Trace Evidence.

The Greensboro (Triad) Regional Laboratory provides forensic laboratory analyses, technical field assistance and expert witness testimony in
the areas of controlled substances, blood alcohol, blood drug, drug dilution, drug tampering, and clandestine drug laboratories and latent
evidence.

The Toxicology Section provides 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 alcohol/volatiles/drugs in blood/urine, and alcohol/volatiles in liquids.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Management Preferences:

Professional lab experience, preferably in toxicology or related field.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical science with chemistry concentration (organic, inorganic, analytical or physical), forensic science (with concentration in chemistry or toxicology), biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution.

Necessary Special Requirement: Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

The North Carolina 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. 

The State of North Carolina offers employer paid health insurance plus twelve paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at Employee Benefits.

Supplemental Information:

Resumes and cover letters: To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the online application form. This information is used to determine if you meet the requirements of the position, and if you are selected, it is used to determine a salary offer.

Using the terms "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted, and your application will be rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.

Credit for foreign degrees will only be given if verification of degree certification is attached to your application. Transcripts for foreign degrees have to be evaluated by an organization like World Education Services to determine US equivalency.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NC Department of Justice
Human Resources
Recruiters@ncdoj.gov

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Paul Jay Makowski

Recruiter Email:

Recruiters@ncdoj.gov