Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances)

Duties

Forensic Scientist I:

• Under general supervision, performs a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence for one or more Forensic science disciplines including Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Latent Print Examination, Trace Chemistry-Flammables, Firearms and Toolmarks, Questioned Documents, and Biology/DNA; and performs related duties as assigned.

Forensic Scientist II:

• Under general supervision, performs a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in a discipline of the Forensic Laboratory, (including Controlled Substances, Toxicology, Latent Print Examination, Trace Chemistry-Flammables, Firearms and Toolmarks, Questioned Documents, and Biology/DNA); interprets test results, formulates conclusions, and prepare reports; provides scientific assistance to external parties and testifies in court as an expert witness; and performs related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Ideal Candidates for Forensic Scientist (Controlled Substances) will possess the following:

• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory
• Experience determining proper scientific testing techniques and performing chemical, instrumental, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative laboratory tests on suspected controlled substances and illicit drugs
• Experience isolating and separating analytes (qualitatively) from various matrices, including solid dose samples
• Knowledge and experience in preparing and validating standards
• Experience with Liquid Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS), Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) instruments, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Knowledge of controlled substances and seized drugs
• Courtroom testimony experience

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist I (Salary Range: $36.26 to $54.38):

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or applied science.
• Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience related to a particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
• Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
• Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.

Minimum Qualifications for Forensic Scientist II (Salary Range: $39.77 to $59.66):

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with science courses.
• Six (6) years of full-time professional work experience related to the particular laboratory discipline, as a forensic scientist or equivalent, in a forensic laboratory conducting scientific laboratory analyses.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada or “border state” driver’s license, as defined by NRS 483.
• Must pass a nationwide fingerprint-based record check, and a wants/warrants check.
• Must complete Security Awareness and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) certification within six months of hire/transfer and be recertified every two years. Must maintain certifications in NCIC/NCJIS as a condition of continued employment.
• Controlled Substances, Toxicology, or Trace Evidence/ Trace Chemistry-Flammables, and Biology/DNA disciplines: Must be certified in one of the following areas within three years of employment or promotion to this position:
• Certified Diplomate, Fellow, or Technical Specialist from the American Board of Criminalists
• Certified Diplomate or Certified Fellow from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
• Certification(s) in drug chemistry or toxicology from other recognized and accepted forensic certifying organizations
• Desirable: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a natural or physical science or a forensic science-related field

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