Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Controlled Substances - Eastern Laboratory - WF111

Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Controlled Substances - Eastern Laboratory - WF111

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range: $16.00 - $20.00 / hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Eastern Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to work part-time assisting the Controlled Substances section of the Eastern Regional Laboratory, located in Norfolk, VA. Duties include performing routine maintenance and minor repair of laboratory equipment; preparing reagents; maintaining inventory of reagents, supplies, and materials; performing and documenting QA procedures; receiving, documenting, transferring, and maintaining a secure chain of custody on evidence; and handling routine laboratory maintenance duties such as cleaning glassware and waste disposal.

This is a wage position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours per agency during the 12-month period of May 1- April 30, regardless of the hire date. The wage employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. All wage employees are limited to working no more than 29 hours per week on average over the 12-month period. This wage position offers no state benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working in a scientific laboratory environment performing qualitative and quantitative analyses, preparing solutions and reagents, and operating and maintaining laboratory instruments to include the maintenance and use of an analytical balance
  
• Experience with laboratory safety procedures
  
•  Ability to maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, follow written protocols and oral instructions, manage multiple tasks efficiently, establish work priorities, and independently perform routine duties
  
•  Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
  
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Working experience in an accredited forensic scientific laboratory
  
• Knowledge of the theory and applications of analytical chemistry methods, instrumentation and equipment

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).
Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Special Requirements:
Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current and previous supervisors.
Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Alanna Meekins

Phone: (804) 588 - 4010

Email: alanna.meekins@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.