DPS - CLD - Forensic Scientist I-III, Seized Drugs - 6052-6054

State Of Texas • Midland, TX

414d

About The Position

The Forensic Scientist I-III position at the Texas Department of Public Safety focuses on the analysis of seized drugs and physical evidence from crime scenes. The role encompasses various levels of responsibility, from entry-level training to more complex forensic science work, with duties including conducting laboratory tests, preparing reports, and testifying as an expert witness in court. The position requires a strong foundation in forensic science principles and the ability to work under varying levels of supervision, depending on the level of the position.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, chemical engineering or forensic science with a minimum of sixteen-semester credit hours in college-level chemistry coursework.
• Forensic Analyst license may substitute for the education requirements.
• Forensic Scientist I: No experience required.
• Forensic Scientist II: Minimum of one year of full-time work experience as a Forensic Scientist I or equivalent in an accredited crime laboratory.
• Forensic Scientist III: Minimum of three years of work experience as a Forensic Scientist II or equivalent in an accredited crime laboratory.
• Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
• Must have a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission if required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a forensic laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and materials.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Develops communication skills to effectively communicate with agencies and customers regarding sensitive information.
• Learns to use the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for evidentiary documentation and analysis.
• Prepares reports concerning the preliminary and final results of analyses performed.
• Represents the discipline and results of analysis in testimony and may serve as an expert witness in court.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency policies.
• Receives instruction on operating complex analytical instrumentation used in drug evidence analysis.
• Reads training materials and demonstrates understanding through competency tests.
• Learns and performs analysis of suspected seized drug materials.
• Maintains awareness of current research within the seized drug discipline.
• Operates complex analytical instrumentation for controlled substances analysis.
• Completes technical review proficiency tests as required.
• Prepares preliminary and/or final reports concerning analysis results.
• Researches forensic science field and studies current materials in scientific journals.
• Lectures or instructs law enforcement groups and represents the Department at conferences.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Life insurance coverage
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Flexible scheduling options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree