Forensic Chemist

Primary Duties:

• Analyze drug evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies across Wake County to determine the presence or absence of controlled substances
• Analyze blood evidence from DUI and traffic related offenses for blood alcohol levels and the presence of impairing drug substances
• Perform instrument validation, maintenance and troubleshooting using knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation standards
• Perform quality assurance and quality control duties within the lab environment
• Testify in court and serve as an expert
• Conduct report writing and case file preparation 

Note: A criminal background check, credit check, polygraph examination and drug test will be conducted.

About Our Team

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1937. The Bureau now provides multidisciplinary forensic services to any criminal investigation having original jurisdiction within the geographical County of Wake. In addition, the Bureau fingerprints and photographs all persons arrested in Wake County in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and provides civil fingerprinting services to the public for a fee. The Bureau’s mission is to continuously strive for perfection while setting the highest standards in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of evidence and collection of criminal arrest information. Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is comprised of approximately 87 full-time employees divided into three divisions: The Crime Scene Science Division, the Laboratory Sciences Division and the Identification Division. The Crime Scene Science Division's responsibility is to provide crime scene examination and analysis services to law enforcement agencies within Wake County. The Laboratory Sciences Division is responsible for the forensic analysis of evidence including DNA examination, latent print examination services, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis, DWI blood drug/alcohol analysis, digital evidence examination, photographic services and facial recognition examinations. The Identification Division is divided into a Civil Identification Unit and a Criminal Identification Unit. The Civil Identification Unit is tasked with providing public fingerprinting services. The Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the collection of fingerprints, collection of fingerprints and photographs and the collection of statutorily required DNA collection kits upon all individuals arrested in Wake County. For more detailed information regarding the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services and the services provided, please see our website at the following address: www.wake.gov/bureau.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science or related field
• Four years of experience in sample analysis
• American Board of Criminalistics Certification required within two years of eligibility or employment (Must maintain current certification thereafter)
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Master’s degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science or related field
• Four or more years of chemistry experience in a forensic Laboratory

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Ability to arrange and assign work to use resources efficiently
• Ability to review and study relevant information from various sources to develop new information
• Ability to maintain conditions that ensure a healthy and safe working environment
• Ability to accomplish tasks and processes accurately and completely
• Ability to firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles