Forensic Scientist 3 (In-Training) - Federal Way

State of Washington•King County - Federal Way, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Federal Way Toxicology Laboratory is hiring a Forensic Scientist in-training. The position may be filled at the Forensic Scientist 1, 2, or 3 level, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications. The in-training periods are approximately 12 months at Level 1, 18 months at Level 2, and 6 months at Level 3. In addition to salary, the position receives 5% geographic pay. Salary depends on the level at which the position is filled: Forensic Scientist 1, $5,111–$6,870; Forensic Scientist 2, $5,642–$7,592; or Forensic Scientist 3, $6,870–$9,246. The Forensic Scientist conducts analyses on submitted evidence using approved instrumentation and methods, interprets toxicology results, and testifies about findings in court. The Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory Division performs drug and alcohol testing for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the State Liquor and Cannabis Board across Washington’s 39 counties. Its forensic scientists analyze submitted samples and provide expert court testimony concerning alcohol, drugs, and their effects. The Washington State Patrol states that it is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to foster an environment where employees can be authentic, communicate openly, and act with courage. It is committed to fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotion practices.

Requirements

Possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License, or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment, for travel as required to provide court testimony.
Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field. Examples include pharmacology, medical technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, genetics, cellular or molecular biology, and toxicology.
Complete 20 semester or 30 quarter hours of chemistry coursework, including at least 5 quarter hours of quantitative chemistry laboratory or equivalent, with a passing grade.
Ability to take action to learn and grow.
Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Successfully complete a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
Be willing to travel within Washington and to other states for court testimony.
Provide an oral DNA sample for the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
Possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine case analyses on evidence submitted to the toxicology laboratory using approved methods and under the direction of supervisors or management staff.
Receive continued training and develop knowledge of laboratory instrumentation operation and maintenance.
Provide court testimony when necessary and explain results to customers and user agencies.
Perform routine analytical testing for alcohol and drugs on biological samples.
Report data-supported scientific findings using a laboratory information management system.
Provide expert opinions and explain the role alcohol or drugs may play based on training and experience as a forensic scientist.
Conduct quality assurance activities, including instrument maintenance, peer batch review where applicable, method validation and verification, and proficiency testing.
Test methods to validate and verify them using guidelines established by the Quality Assurance department.
Evaluate data.
Perform testing on proficiency samples.
Maintain instruments and perform peer batch reviews.
Provide training to customers.
Perform laboratory safety duties and assist with laboratory cleanliness.