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Forensic Scientist 2 (In-Training) Project Position in Seattle
Seattle, United States
Description
The Seattle Toxicology Laboratory is hiring for two Forensic Scientist 2 positions.
These are project positions with and end date of June 30, 2027, however funding is anticipated beyond that date.
These are project positions with and end date of June 30, 2027, however funding is anticipated beyond that date.
These positions have been designated as “in-training”. As such, WSP will consider filling these positions at the Forensic Scientist 1, or Forensic Scientist 2 level. The salary range will depend upon at which level the position is filled at and the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Forensic Scientist 1 (in-training)
$ 5,011 - $ 6,735
Forensic Scientist 2 (in-training)
$ 5,531 - $ 7,443
About the Position:
The Toxicology Laboratory is a Division within the Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau of the WSP, providing statewide forensic toxicology services (alcohol and drug testing in biological specimens) for law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, medical examiners and coroners as outlined in RCW 43.43.670 and WAC 448-14. This position supports the mission by providing expert forensic analysis of toxicology evidence in statewide criminal investigations. This position will be primarily responsible for conducting blood alcohol (volatiles) analysis utilizing headspace gas chromatography.
About the Division:
The Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, established in 1963, performs drug and alcohol testing for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) in all 39 Washington counties. The Division receives approximately 18,000 cases per year of which approximately 65 percent are law enforcement DUI cases and 35 percent coroner/medical examiner cases. The Division is overseen by the Division Commander and has a staff of 45 personnel consisting of State Toxicologist, Management, Forensic Scientist Supervisors, Forensic Scientists, Quality Assurance, Property and Evidence Custodians, and Administrative staff. Forensic Scientists perform analysis of samples submitted to the laboratory and provide court testimony as experts on alcohol, drugs, and their effects.
About the Agency:The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
Duties
- Conduct routine case analyses on evidence submitted to the toxicology lab, using approved methods, under the direction from supervisors or management staff.
- Receive continued training.
- Further knowledge on the operation and maintenance of the laboratory instrumentation.
- Provide court testimony when necessary in WA.
- Explain the meaning of the results to our customers and user agencies.
- Perform routine analytical testing for alcohol and drugs on biological samples.
- Report scientific findings supported by data using a laboratory information management system.
- Provide expert opinions and explains the role that alcohol or drugs may play based on training and experience as a forensic scientist.
- Quality Assurance processes to include instrument maintenance, peer batch review (where applicable), method validation and verification, and proficiency testing.
- Perform testing to validate and verify methods using guidelines established by the QA department.
- Evaluates data.
- Perform testing on proficiency sample.
- Perform instrument maintenance.
- Perform peer batch review.
- Provide training to the customer.
- Performs laboratory safety duties.
- Assist in the lab cleanliness.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment for response to mobilizations.
- Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science or closely related field. (Examples of related fields include but are not limited to: pharmacology, medical technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, genetics, cellular or molecular biology or toxicology.)
- Chemistry coursework required. 20 semester or 30 quarter hours. Including a minimum of 5 quarter hours of quantitative chemistry laboratory or equivalent (with a passing grade).
Conditions of Employment:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
Why work for the Washington State Patrol?
- A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
- Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01
- Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov .
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov .
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
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