Associate Chemist (DOH/SLD #10934)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice is seeking a qualified candidate to support the Toxicology Bureau and Breath Alcohol program. This role serves as a primary contact for law enforcement communications and helps ensure instrument inspection, maintenance, and proficiency activities.

You will participate in course instruction, data entry, and handling of subpoenas and requests, while upholding safety policies and collaborating with attorneys and officers across New Mexico.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or closely related field; four years may substitute for education.
• Must maintain a Driver's License and other employment requirements as applicable.
• Experience with laboratory environments and safety procedures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform instrument inspection and maintenance for evidential breath analysis equipment.
• Create proficiency solutions and instruct courses for operator certification.
• Handle subpoenas, public information requests, and data entry for classes and certifications.
• Calibrate breath alcohol instruments and assist with lab safety protocols.

Skills

Team player

Willingness to learn

Professional communication skills

Self-motivated

Culture fit

Reliable and dependable

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or closely related field

Job description

Why does the job exist?

The purpose of this position is to help support the daily operations of the Toxicology Bureau/Breath Alcohol section, to include interactions with law enforcement and attorneys throughout New Mexico. This position will function as one of the main points of contact for law enforcement communications regarding the breath alcohol program for the State of New Mexico.

How does it get done?

The primary responsibilities of this position are to perform instrument inspection/maintenance, creation of proficiency solutions, and the instruction of courses for the certification of Operators for evidential breath analysis instruments which will be defensible in the court of law. Furthermore, this position may help in the handling and processing of discoveries such as subpoenas and public information requests from law offices. Other responsibilities include data entry from classes, proficiency tests, and certifications as well as being involved in the calibration of all breath alcohol instruments. Miscellaneous tasks may include, but are not limited to, answering phone calls and responding to emails from law enforcement personnel and/or law offices, helping in the processing, packaging, and mailing of materials for law enforcement, and handling in-person interactions with officers needing assistance.

Who are the customers?

Law enforcement agencies, attorneys and citizens within the state of New Mexico.

Ideal Candidate

• Team player
• Willingness to learn
• Professional communication skills
• Self-motivated
• Culture fit
• Reliable and dependable

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or closely related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.

Employment Requirements

• Driver's License
• Defensive Driving Certificate
• Drug Screening

Working Conditions

Extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Punctuality and time management are key aspects of this position. Some of the work is performed in a fully functional laboratory with potential exposure to hazardous solvents, acids, bases, and chemical/biological agents. Incumbent may be exposed to mechanical hazards due to extended standing and repetitive trunk, arm, hand & neck movements. The position involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation and high-pressure gas cylinders. In addition, the position requires the ability to lift and/or push 25lbs. strict adherence to safety policy is mandatory and incumbent should be aware of exposure to odors, background noise, unknown compounds in samples, broken glassware, hot surfaces, and biological pathogens.

Supplemental Information

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Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.