Forensic Seized Drug Unit Supervisor

State of Maine; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Coverage

Public Service Student Loan Forgivenes

Parental leave

Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Augusta, Maine, seeks a Chemist III to supervise the Seized Drug Unit within the Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The role combines technical leadership with day-to-day oversight of case work and court interactions.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field and four years in analytical chemistry, with preferred six years in forensic settings and supervisory duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry.
• Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit
• Ensuring seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Communicating with law enforcement and the legal partners to prioritize rush cases and coordinate analysts availability for court dates
• Receive Training in all testing methods and apply that knowledge to assist with seized drug analysis as needed
• Participating in proficiency testing and annual internal audits
• Conduct Technical reviews of seized drug cases
• Testify in court regarding results of seized drug cases as required
• Training and mentor new analysts
• Leading validations of new instruments and methods

Skills

Supervisory experience

Analytical chemistry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/ Biochemistry or related laboratory science

Tools

GC/MS

FTIR

LC/MS

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist III

Opening Date: October 13, 2026

Closing Date: October 26, 2026

Job Class Code:6403

Grade:27 (Supervisory)

Salary:$71,198.40 - $100,526.40 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number:20002-4701

Location:This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Description

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of Maine communities. Within HETL, the Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) provides seized drug and forensic toxicology testing services to the citizens of Maine.

This position serves as the supervisor of the seized drug testing unit, providing both technical leadership and day-to-day operational oversight within the Forensic Chemistry Section. Primary responsibilities include:

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit
• Ensuring seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Communicating with law enforcement and the legal partners to prioritize rush cases and coordinate analysts availability for court dates
• Receive Training and in all testing methods and apply that knowledge to assist with seized drug analysis as needed
• Participating in proficiency testing and annual internal audits
• Conduct Technical reviews of seized drug cases
• Testify in court regarding results of seized drug cases as required
• Training and mentor new analysts
• Leading validations of new instruments and methods

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Candidates

• A minimum of six years’ experience in a forensic or analytical laboratory with at least two years’ experience in a supervisory role
• Experience working in an accredited forensic laboratory, and knowledge of ANAB Forensic Testing Laboratory Accreditation including ISO/IEC 17025 and AR 3125 standards
• Hands on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC/MS
• Ability to meet State of Maine certification standards for Persons Conducting Chemical Analysis for the Detection and Identification of Drugs (DHHS Rule 10-144 Chapter 266)
• Knowledge of seized drug standards and recommendations (SWGDRUG, OSAC, etc.)

Agency information

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State’s population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee’s pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.