Job description

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (Forensic Chemistry Unit)

Position No.: 125-1893

Salary Range: $4,742/month

Closing Date: May 17, 2023

Status: Full-Time with State Benefit Package

Recruitment: Internal/External

Location: Crime Laboratory Division, 2641 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND

Selecting Supervisor: Jennifer Penner, Interim Director, Crime Laboratory

Summary of Work

1. Participate in formal and on-the-job training in scientific analysis of controlled substances, non-controlled substances, and clandestine laboratories.

2. Participate in, and successfully pass practical competency and/or written test(s) prior to assuming casework.

3. Learn about and participate in the proficiency testing program for the disciplines in which the employee is competency tested.

4. Regularly possess, compare, and examine submitted samples to determine the presence of controlled substances, non-controlled drug substances, and clandestine laboratory components from crime scenes or parties involved in criminal activity.

5. Interpret test results obtained from proper microscopic, chemical, and instrumental methods.

6. Prepare evidence and exhibits; appear in court as an expert witness; maintain report files; issue periodic and special reports as assigned.

7. Confer with supervisor to reference the appropriate test methodology based on the quantity and quality of the submitted sample.

8. Learn and perform proper instrument maintenance and repair procedures.
9. Learn and perform proper reagent and standard preparation and labeling.
10. Regularly work with a variety of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, and/or unknown pathogen contaminated body fluids evidence; unidentified chemicals on evidence, used syringes).

11. Routinely testify as an expert witness in a court of law while maintaining composure under intense cross-examination.

12. Operate standard office equipment (i.e., personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, adding machine, etc.).

13. Perform job-related travel, as needed.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the monthly salary, this position includes fully paid health insurance for employee and family (with a wellness rider included), the option to participate in employee-paid dental and vision for employee and family, participation in the state NDPERS defined contribution retirement plan as well as the option to participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan, the option to contribute to a medical spending account, as well as paid annual leave and sick leave.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science/Chemistry, Toxicology, or a closely related natural science from an accredited four-year college or university. MUST have minimum documented coursework of 1 year of General
Chemistry, 1 year of Organic Chemistry, and either Instrumental Analysis or be able to demonstrate proficiency with modern analytical chemistry instrumentation. Survey or introductory coursework intended for non-chemistry majors will not satisfy the above requirements. Both overall academic record and applicable job experience will be factors for consideration; however, prior job experience will not replace the minimum academic requirement.

2. Knowledge of/experience with the basic theoretical principles of analytical chemistry and applications of instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze suspected controlled substances. Experience using basic laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
(color tests, UV-Vis, GC/MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, DART-MS).

3. Must be able to evaluate and interpret data, develop sound conclusions/identifications, maintain accurate records, and solve technical problems.

4. Possesses skills necessary to be a successful Forensic Scientist.
5. Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.

6. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.
8. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
9. A high level of integrity is required, as well as good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
10. Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform forensic scientist tasks.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." -
Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success.
Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Office of Attorney General does not provide sponsorships.

Application package must be received by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed on the opening.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED
ONLINE AT: www.nd.gov/careers

Documents to be submitted:

• Resume
• Cover letter with a summary that clearly explains how the applicant's work experience is related to the summary of work and minimum/preferred qualifications
• 3 Professional References
• College Transcripts (copies or unofficial versions are acceptable for the initial application process but when the top candidate is given a conditional employment offer, they are required to present official transcripts)

Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process please contact Ashley, Office of Attorney General: phone:
(701) 328-1256 or TTY: 1-800-366-6888.

• Learn more about Office of Attorney General at: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/
• Learn more about Employment Benefits at: https://www.nd.gov/omb/public/careers/team-nd-benefits
• Visit North Dakota State government: http://www.nd.gov

To learn more about living in North Dakota, visit https://findthegoodlife.com

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the
North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,742.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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