CBI Forensic Scientist III (Drug Chemistry) - Greeley

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Forensic Services is seeking a Forensic Scientist III (Drug Chemistry) to join their team in Greeley. This position serves as a technical expert in forensic drug chemistry, responsible for the preservation, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The role requires adherence to the highest quality standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, and involves meticulous handling of evidence, accurate documentation in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and precise report writing. Additionally, the Forensic Scientist III may provide expert courtroom testimony, act as an advisor in their qualified discipline, and train/mentor newer employees. This position also acts as a liaison with law enforcement partners, emphasizing excellent customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.
• A minimum of two years of professional full-time forensic drug chemistry casework experience in a crime laboratory performing analysis for criminal cases (excluding training and/or internships).
• A copy of official or unofficial college or university transcripts must be provided at the time of application.
• Current valid driver's license at time of hire.
• Must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire.
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, Personnel Evaluation Profile (PEP) assessment, psychological evaluation, driving history, and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Professional forensic science certification in drug chemistry from a CBI recognized certification organization (e.g., ABC, AFTE, IAI).
• Experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Preservation, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence collected in criminal cases.
• Ensuring the integrity of evidence by maintaining chain of custody and security.
• Proper utilization and quality checks of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Ensuring chemicals, reagents, solvents, and standards meet quality requirements and adhering to safety standards.
• Conducting thorough, systematic, and timely technical reviews of casework.
• Working complex cases as assigned by management.
• Applying established theory, principles, professional standards, and precedents to complete analysis.
• Adhering to approved procedures or obtaining deviation approval for non-conforming testing.
• Documenting and reporting measurement uncertainty and sampling plans.
• Abiding by interpretation/opinion criteria.
• Approaching casework efficiently and judiciously.
• Complying with technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and CBIFS policies and procedures.
• Advising, training, mentoring, and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II personnel on technical aspects.
• Accounting for all evidence in possession at all times using LIMS.
• Writing precise, accurate, and timely reports.
• Bringing deviations from policies and procedures to management's attention immediately.
• Completing and passing assigned proficiency tests within the designated timeframe.
• Participating in regularly scheduled audits.
• Participating in root cause analysis for errors.
• Providing expert witness courtroom testimony or serving in an advisory capacity statewide.
• Complying with administrative requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and CBIFS policies and procedures.
• Advising, training, mentoring, and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II and Intern personnel on administrative aspects.
• Demonstrating the highest level of customer service.
• Serving as the initial liaison with law enforcement partners.
• Interacting effectively and collaboratively with a variety of internal and external customers.
• Being respectful, courteous, timely, and accurate in communication during courtroom testimony.
• Advising, training, mentoring, and assisting Forensic Scientist I/II personnel on customer service aspects.
• Remaining up-to-date on current information pertaining to their discipline or subdiscipline.
• Conducting training or facilitating presentations.
• Serving on the Technical Working Group for a particular discipline/subdiscipline.
• Validating instrumentation or methodologies.
• Reviewing or writing technical operating procedures.
• Procurement of supplies.

Benefits

• Medical and dental options for permanent employees and their dependents.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
• State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
• Job protected medical leave under FMLA and FAMLI.
• Paid medical leave benefits.
• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements.
• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan.
• Optional 401K and 457 plans.
• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Accrued annual and sick leave.
• Four annual wellness days.
• Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
• Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior