Introduction
Position Highlights
- The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- As part of general recruitment, the Chemist 1 will be recruited to work within the Chemical Analysis Section with a focus on the aspects of Serial Number Restoration and Breath Analysis.
- In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals and forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed. More details can be found in the class specification and the Examples of Duties section below.
- We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, or a closely related field.
The Chemist 1 will receive training in Techniques utilized within the Chemical Analysis Section. Training may include the following:
- An examination of submitted evidence and completion of written descriptions;
- Photographing of evidence;
- Performing serial number restoration of firearms utilizing purchased chemicals and established restoration techniques.
- Performing instrument verification of Draeger 9510 Breath Alcohol instruments along with instruction of certification classes
- Handling materials and samples before and after analysis to maintain them for safekeeping;
- Preparing comprehensive reports; providing explanations and interpretations of results;
- Testifying in court as an expert witness;
- May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel;
- Perform related duties as requested.
About Us
The Division of Scientific Services serves as the forensic laboratory for the State of Connecticut, providing critical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state. The Division is structured into three primary analytical sections:
- Chemical Analysis Section – encompassing toxicology, controlled substances, and general chemistry
- Forensic Biology/DNA Section – specializing in the analysis of biological evidence and DNA profiling
- Identification Section – including firearms/toolmarks, latent prints and digital/computer crimes analysis
In addition, the Division is supported by two non-analytical sections:
- Quality Section – responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards
- Laboratory Support Services Section – which includes administration, evidence receiving, and case management functions
Together, these sections work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services in support of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.
Selection Plan
RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees
- Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
- Completed CT-HR-13
Non-State Employees
- Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor).
- Completed CT-HR-13
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Nick Naples at Nicholas.Naples@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation this class is accountable for conducting chemical, biochemical and physical analyses of a variety of substances.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical and toxicological analyses of organic and inorganic substances to determine identity and concentration of substances;
- Calibrates instruments and prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents;
- Maintains records of examinations;
- Conducts chemical analyses of drinking water from public and private supplies according to standard methods of water analysis;
- Tests samples of sewage, river water, trade wastes and sludge for regulated pollutants;
- Performs chemical and physical examinations of sewage and trade wastes to make determinations such as those for solids, ash, volatile matter, chlorides, nitrates, ammonia and organic nitrogen;
- Performs chemical analyses of samples from swimming pools and bathing beaches for chemical contaminants;
- Tabulates and plots curves of results of water analyses;
- Prepares reports of investigations;
- Prepares reagents;
- Performs chemical analyses of food and dairy products;
- Utilizes universal laboratory precautions;
- Utilizes computers related to laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance data and test reports;
- May perform biochemical and toxicological analyses of human specimens as well as environmental samples for toxic substances in postmortem and medical/legal cases;
- May assist in biochemical and toxicological research;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- principles, methods and procedures of chemistry;
- quantitative and qualitative chemistry;
- equipment and instruments used in modern public laboratories;
- applicable analytical techniques;
- laboratory quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures;
- universal laboratory precautions;
- laboratory hazards and safety;
- Skills
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- in operation of chemical instruments and equipment;
- in data analysis and interpretation;
- Ability to
- conduct standard analytical chemical tests;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- College training in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
- A Master's degree in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
- Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience handling firearms and rendering firearms safe;
- Experience handling chemicals and reagents, including proper storage, use, and disposal in accordance with laboratory safety standards and procedures;
- Experience working with confidential or privileged information including names, dates of birth, address, personal financial information, medical records or test results;
- Experience maintaining chain of custody of evidential material;
- Experience utilizing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and immunizations for communicable diseases.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet the various certification and/or licensing requirements.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.