AddressResponsibilities
*The Federal Way and Seattle Labs are hiring for multiple Forensic Scientist positions.
**Interviews will begin the week of June 10 - June 14th
***In addition to your salary, you will also receive an extra 5% King County pay.
These positions have been designated as “in-training”; as such WSP will consider filling the positions at the Forensic Scientist 3, Forensic Scientist 2, or Forensic Scientist 1 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 Approx. 12 months $4,723 to $6,349 Forensic
Scientist 2: In-training Approx. 18 months $5,214 to $7,016
Forensic Scientist 3: In-training Approx. 6 months $6,349 to $8,545
About the Position: This position provides the critical public safety link between the commission of crime and subsequent investigation and prosecution of the persons responsible.
About the Division: The Washington State Toxicology Laboratory Division, 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 16,000 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 WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous. The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions. Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Conducts case analyses on evidence submitted to the toxicology lab, using approved methods, under the direction from supervisors or management staff.
- Knowledge on the operation and maintenance of the laboratory instrumentation.
- Provides court testimony.
- Performs analytical testing for volatiles, drugs and other toxins on biological samples.
- Reports scientific findings supported by data using a laboratory information management system.
- Provides expert opinions and explains the role that drugs and alcohol. Instrument maintenance and, batch review, and proficiency testing.
- Performs testing to develop and validate methods using guidelines established by the QA department.
- Evaluates data.
- Provides training to customers.
- Assists with evidence or administrative related duties.
- Performs laboratory safety duties.
- Assists in the lab cleanliness.
Travel Requirements: Travel throughout the state, and other states, is required for court testimony, meetings and training. Transportation is by pool car or other approved means, such as, air travel.
Tools and Equipment: To include analytical instrumentation, balances, pipettes, dilutors.
Work Setting/ Hazards: Hazardous and biohazardous chemicals and evidence must be safely handled following the safety guidelines.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
- Must be willing and able to work on cases involving traumatic events.
- 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. Must be willing to travel statewide, and other states, for court testimony. You must submit a current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply.
Compensation
Salary $56,676.00 - $102,540.00 Annually
More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits: Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security: All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays: Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non-overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave): Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non-overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
- Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave: Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave: Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave:
- Leave Sharing
- Parental Leave
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
How to apply
You must submit a current resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts (high school/ GED and/ or college) when you apply. Apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4508051-0/forensic-scientist-3-in-training-federal-way-and-seattle-multiple-positions. .
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