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Montgomery County (MD)

Forensic Scientist Series I, II, III (Forensic Chemistry Unit), Grade 20, 22 25

Montgomery County (MD), Gaithersburg, Maryland, us, 20883

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Please note:

The salary range below represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range(s) for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Forensic Scientist Series I – Grade N20:

$62,328 - $106,772

Forensic Scientist Series II – Grade N22:

$73,569 - $117,252

Forensic Scientist Series III – Grade N25:

$83,556 - $134,086

WHO WE ARE The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an accomplished and dynamic forensic science professional to serve as a Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Chemistry Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.

About the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD) Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.

Why Join MCPD? As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze physical evidence using accepted techniques such as weighing protocols, macroscopic and microscopic examinations, color tests, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Interpret analytical data and issue laboratory reports.

Testify in court as an expert witness, clearly and confidently presenting scientific conclusions to support investigations and legal proceedings.

Maintain strict adherence to quality assurance standards and chain of custody procedures to ensure the integrity of all evidence.

Collaborate with a wide range of contacts, including laboratory staff, law enforcement officers, attorneys, external laboratories, scientific peers, accrediting bodies, and members of the community.

In this role, you will have full technical responsibility for your casework and are expected to independently plan, conduct, and document your analyses. Given the sensitive legal implications of the work, you must apply complex scientific methods with a high degree of accuracy, objectivity, and attention to detail.

This role may involve occasional exposure to harmful chemicals or biohazardous materials present in evidence. Strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods while working at laboratory benches and lifting/carrying evidence containers weighing up to 50 pounds.

Certification by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to independently analyze CDS as a Certified Chemist must be obtained after the training period (COMAR 10.10.09.01).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Forensic Scientist Series: This position will be filled within the range of Forensic Scientist I through Forensic Scientist III based on prior experience and training. Subsequent promotions within the series are non-competitive and are based on experience.

EXPERIENCE If filled at Forensic Scientist I (Grade 20): This is an entry-level position as a Forensic Scientist trainee. The incumbent for this level is not expected to be a qualified scientist.

If filled at Forensic Scientist II (Grade 22): Two (2) years of full‑time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.

If filled at Forensic Scientist III (Grade 25): Four (4) years of full‑time professional experience conducting examinations of CDS.

ALL LEVEL EDUCATION Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science, and have completed courses in analytical and organic chemistry. Applicants must be eligible for verification by the Maryland Department of Health, meeting requirements described in COMAR 10.10.09.

ALL LEVEL EQUIVALENCY An equivalent combination of scientific education and experience may be substituted.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist I

Experience working within the Forensic Sciences in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist II

Experience working as an authorized analyst in Seized Drugs within an accredited forensic laboratory.

Experience as a qualified expert in the field of Seized Drug analysis in court.

Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.

Experience interpreting results of analysis and writing conclusive reports in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Preferred Criteria for Forensic Scientist III

Experience working as an authorized analyst in Seized Drugs within an accredited forensic laboratory.

Experience as a qualified expert in the field of Seized Drug analysis in court.

Experience using GC-MS and FT-IR instrumentation.

Experience interpreting results of analysis and writing conclusive reports in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Experience assisting with project development and/or validation.

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