Forensic Seized Drug Unit Supervisor

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

6d • $68,141 - $96,221 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) provides seized drug and forensic toxicology testing services to the citizens of Maine. This position will serve as the supervisor of the seized drug testing unit within the Forensic Chemistry section of HETL.

Requirements

• A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry.
• Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to meet the State of Maine certification standards for Persons Conducting Chemical Analysis for the Detection and Identification of Drugs (DHHS Rule 10-144 Chapter 266)
• At least six years’ experience in a forensic/analytical laboratory with at least two years’ experience in a supervisory role
• At least 24 college credit hours of Chemistry
• Experience working in an accredited Forensic Laboratory and knowledge of ANAB Forensic Testing Laboratory Accreditation including ISO/IEC 17025 and AR 3125 standards
• Experience working with forensic quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• Experience examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances
• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC/MS
• Knowledge of seized drug related standards and recommendations (SWGDRUG, OSAC, etc.)
• Experience testifying in a court of law as a forensic expert witness
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, LIMS and instrumentation software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners

Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit
• Ensuring seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Communicating with law enforcement and the legal community to prioritize rush cases and assist with scheduling analysts for court dates
• Becoming trained and competent in all testing methods to assist with seized drug analysis as needed
• Participating in proficiency testing
• Technically reviewing seized drug cases
• Testifying to results of seized drug cases as needed
• Training new analysts
• Participating in annual internal audits
• Leading validations of new instruments and methods

Benefits

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.

What This Job Offers

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