Title: Forensic Laboratory Specialist II - Toxicology - Central Laboratory - GF563

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec II

Hiring Range: $33,828 - $43,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Central Lab

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Division of Technical Services, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The move to the new facility is anticipated for the First Quarter of 2026.

This is a grant funded position. Grant Funding is approved through September 24, 2026.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is seeking a qualified applicant to assist the Toxicology section of the Central Regional Laboratory. Duties of the position include administrative support to include scanning, copying, and filing data; routine laboratory maintenance such as cleaning glassware, waste disposal, and changing compressed gas cylinders; preparation of reagents; transfer of evidence, maintaining a secure and intact chain of custody; assistance typing and distributing Certificates of Analysis to agency customers. This position also trains to perform alcohol analysis using Headspace Gas Chromatography, preliminary drug screening using ELISA, and CO saturation determination using UV-VIS spectrophotometry; and may be required to testify in court to duties performed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience preparing solutions and reagents for use in a laboratory setting
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory environment, including standard laboratory equipment and safety procedures
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite programs
• 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

• Experience working in a laboratory environment operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation
• Experience performing and documenting QA procedures
• Experience handling biological fluids in a forensic or clinical toxicology laboratory
• Experience using laboratory information management software
  

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.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits 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. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

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

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. 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 Greene

Phone: 804-588-4163

Email: amanda.greene@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.