Posted: Mar 21, 2025
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Forensic Scientist 3 (In Training)

Washington State Patrol - Seattle, WA
Full-time
Application Deadline: Apr 13, 2025
Forensic Toxicology
The Washington State Patrol has multiple openings for a Forensic Scientist 3 (in-training) at the Federal Way and Seattle Toxicology Laboratories. 

In addition to your salary, you will also receive an extra 5% King County Pay.


This position has been designated as “in-training”; as such WSP will consider filling this position 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 $4,865 to $6,539
Forensic Scientist 2: In-training  Approx. 18 months $5,370 to $7,226
Forensic Scientist 3: In-training  Approx. 6 months $6,539 to $8,801  


About the Position:

The Forensic Scientist (FS) is responsible for conducting analyses on submitted evidence using approved instrumentation and methods, interpretation of toxicology results, and providing testimony of their findings in court.


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 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 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 effects of alcohol and drugs.
  • Instrument maintenance, 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.

Customer Interactions:
Interact with medical examiners, attorneys, police agencies, lay personnel, and potentially family members of decedents.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. 
  • Must obtain a Bachelor’s degree or higher prior to June 2025, 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.
  • Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.
  • You must submit a current cover letter, and unofficial college transcripts by attaching them to your application when you apply.
Attachments:
FS3 Job Description.docx