Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Controlled Substances - Northern Laboratory - WF095 (Wage)

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I

Hiring Range: $23.80

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Northern Lab

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

PART TIME / NO BENEFITS
(Average of 29 hours per week, not to exceed 1,500 hours annually)

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to work part-time assisting the Controlled Substances section of the Northern Regional Laboratory, located in Manassas, 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.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position’s closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit 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. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.

DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including a fingerprint‑based criminal history check. Candidate(s) must also provide a DNA sample via buccal swab (saliva) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted and will include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS now uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@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.