Forensic Seized Drug Unit Supervisor

Department of Health and Human Services; United States; Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

3+ weeks vacation leave annually

Health Insurance Coverage – State pays

Dental Insurance – State coverage

Retirement Plan – MainePERS

Job summary

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Chemist III to supervise the Forensic Chemistry Section within the Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The role leads the Seized Drug Unit and oversees daily operations, ensuring timely case completion and coordination with law enforcement for court dates.

The position requires a chemistry-related bachelor's degree and four years of analytical chemistry experience, with preferred experience in forensic laboratories

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science.
• Four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry; equivalent experience may substitute education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit.
• Ensure seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Communicate with law enforcement and legal partners to prioritize rush cases and coordinate analysts’ availability for court dates.
• Receive training in testing methods and apply knowledge to assist with seized drug analysis.
• Participate 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.
• Train and mentor new analysts.
• Lead validations of new instruments and methods.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

GC/MS

FTIR

LC/MS

Job description

Job Title and Information

Job Title: Chemist III

Department: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: October 13, 2026; Closing Date: October 26, 2026

Job Class Code: 6403; Grade: 27 (Supervisory); Position Number: 20002-4701

Salary: $71,198.40 - $100,526.40 per year* (inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend)

Location: Augusta, Maine (full-time position located in Augusta, allows partial telework with manager approval)

Eligibility: Currently 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.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit
• Ensure seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule
• Communicate 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
• Participate 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
• Train and mentor new analysts
• Lead 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 Qualifications

• 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

• 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)
• 12 days of sick leave per year (when you or immediate members of your family are ill)
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%
• 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 – up to $40 per month
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – pre-tax money to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program
• Living Resources Program – employee assistance program
• Parental leave – six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child (including non-birthing and adoptive parents); additional unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions
• State employees eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.