Forensic Scientist III-Chemistry/Drug-Joliet

State of Illinois•Joliet, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is seeking to fill the role of Forensic Scientist III within the Division of Forensic Services. This position serves as an advanced forensic scientist in the Drug Chemistry section, performing complex analyses of cannabis, controlled substances, and related evidence. Work includes both routine and advanced casework that may be sensitive or high-profile in nature. This position prepares and issues analytical reports, conducts administrative tasks such as compiling individual activity and section backlog data, and provides established training to forensic scientist trainees, forensic scientists, and evidence technicians in evidence handling, analytical methods, laboratory procedures, report writing, and court testimony. The selected candidate(s) also will train user agency personnel on proper evidence collection and preservation practices. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply! The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including: Health, life, vision, and dental insurance. 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave. Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs. Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually. Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service. Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date. Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in natural science or forensic science. Option B requires, in addition to the bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science requirement, a minimum of (20) semester hours of coursework in chemistry with a total of (60) semester hours of coursework in natural science.
Requires five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience.
Successful completion of background investigation.
Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.

Nice To Haves

Prefers at least five (5) years of professional work experience in performing specialized and sensitive physical evidence examination of forensic Drug Chemistry cases in an accurate and progressive manner.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience screening, comparing, and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in communicating thoughts, interpretations, and conclusions of scientific examinations in a clear, concise, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in testifying in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness.
Prefers at least five (5) years of knowledge in State, Federal, and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in performing literature search and other scientific research related to forensic science.
Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in coordinating the activities of a small group or staff.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, serves as an advanced forensic scientist performing analyses in the areas of cannabis, controlled substances, and related evidence in the Drug Chemistry section including both routine and advanced forensic science casework that is often sensitive and controversial in nature.
Issues analytical reports on all cases worked.
Performs administrative duties including compilation and reporting of individual activity and section backlogs to management.
Provides established training techniques to forensic scientist trainees, forensic scientists, and/or evidence technicians in the Drug Chemistry section as it relates to evidence handling, analytical techniques, procedures, report writing, and court testimony.
Provides training for user agency personnel in proper methods of collection and preservation of evidence.
Continues to develop as a forensic scientist by reviewing current literature to maintain expertise and keep abreast of current procedures and techniques used in the analysis of cannabis and controlled substances.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.