Office Specialist I - Evidence Assistant

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance coverage

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Gym reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Public service loan forgiveness

Parental leave

Job summary

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Augusta, Maine, is seeking an Office Specialist I to provide administrative support for the Forensic Chemistry Section within the Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.

Responsibilities include managing evidence, tracking subpoenas, and assisting with discovery documentation, while coordinating with agencies and training staff on submission requirements.

Qualifications

• Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support demonstrating proficiency in modern office practices and independent judgment.
• Preferred candidates will also have the ability to obtain Notary Public status.
• Experience providing information and giving testimony in court and depositions.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for evidence management and custody audits.

Responsibilities

• Document, inventory, and secure evidence submitted to the FCS.
• Verify accuracy on evidence submission forms and proper packaging.
• Record and track subpoenas.
• Compile requested discovery documentation.
• Maintain custody records for all evidence received.
• Communicate with agencies on evidence submission procedures and testing status.
• Manage data in the FCS Evidence Appointment Booking System.
• Present information and testify on administrative procedures as needed.
• Assist in training lab personnel and agencies on evidence submission requirements.
• Perform annual evidence inventory and file reviews.
• Enter information in lab and storage location databases.
• Purchase and distribute approved sample collection kits.
• Input sample information into the Implied Consent/Duty to Submit Database.
• Enter approved instrument documentation into the instrument database and coordinate with site coordinators.

Skills

Recordkeeping procedures

Evidence handling

Notary Public

Court testimony

Tools

LIMS

Job description

DepartmentofHealth and Human Services (DHHS)

Office Specialist I

Opening Date: September 23, 2026

Closing Date:October 6, 2026

Job Class Code:6546

Grade:16 (80)

Salary:$19.60 - $28.25 per hour

Position Number:02031-0591

Location:Augusta

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

Core Responsibilities:

As an Office Specialist I, you will serve as administrative support for the Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) in the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Core responsibilities include:

• Document, inventory, and secure evidence submitted to the FCS.
• Verify accuracy on evidence submission forms and ensure items are properly packaged upon submission.
• Record and track subpoenas.
• Compile requested discovery documentation as directed.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all evidence received to ensure change of custody is maintained.
• Communicate with agencies on evidence submission and handling procedures, and status of forensic testing and analysis.
• Manage information into the FCS Evidence Appointment Booking System.
• Present information and give testimony on administrative procedures as it pertains to evidence as needed.
• Assist in training lab personnel, law enforcement, and prosecuting agencies on administrative related evidence submission requirements.
• Perform annual evidence inventory and file review and archive protocols.
• Enter information in the laboratory and storage location databases.
• Purchase and distribute HETL approved sample collection kits as requested.
• Input sample information from sample analysis into the Implied Consent/Duty to Submit Database.
• Enter approved instrument documentation into the instrument database and communicate with associated site coordinator(s).

Minimum Qualifications:

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of modern office practices to perform advanced administrative support tasks requiring specialized skills, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Office Assistant I, Office Assistant II, Office Associate I and Office Associate II.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Ability to process requests for information according to established procedures
• Knowledge of recordkeeping procedures, in particular chain of custody procedures and evidence processing
• Ability to obtain status as a State of Maine Notary Public
• Experience providing information and giving testimony in court and depositions
• Ability to utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to secure, record, and distribute evidence, maintain chain of custody reports and perform evidence audits

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:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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 leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receivesix 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 foranything 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.

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.