Job Description

Are you seeking career growth with the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!




The State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is currently recruiting for a Chemist 1 vacancy to work within the Toxicology unit within the Chemical Analysis Section of the Division of Scientific Services in Meriden, Connecticut.



In this role, you will conduct full-process examinations while working alongside lab professionals, forensic science examiners and will collaborate with law enforcement partners as needed.

This position is full-time, onsite, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and is grant funded with an end date of September 30, 2026.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Visit our

NEW

State Employee Benefits Overview

page!

Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers. Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
Our state has a lot to offer - from fun activities for all ages, to great food and shopping, to beautiful state parks and forests, to our diverse cultures and rich history. Connecticut is a great place to live! Learn more about Connecticut here.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

As a Chemist 1, you will receive training in Toxicology Techniques. Training will also include the following:



An examination of submitted evidence and completion of written descriptions; Photographing of evidence; Performing screening and confirmatory analysis in biological specimens (blood and urine) utilizing various liquid chromatography mass spectrometry techniques Performing instrument verification of Draeger 9510 Breath Alcohol instruments along with assisting with instruction of instructor certification classes Handling materials and samples before and after analysis to maintain them for safekeeping; Preparing comprehensive reports; providing explanations and interpretations of results; Testifying in court as an expert witness; May assist in training laboratory staff and law enforcement personnel; Perform related duties as requested. We are seeking individuals with a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or advanced degree in Forensic Science, chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology or a closely related field.



More details can be found in the class specification here and the

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

section below.

ABOUT US

DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.



1. Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence o Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data o Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct--i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve o Constantly seeking better results



2. Shared Fiscal Responsibility o Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources o Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests o Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges



3. Ethics and Accountability o Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies o Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement o Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments o Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways



The Division of Scientific Services provides forensic support to local, state and federal agencies throughout Connecticut. This division is divided into three analytical sections. They are the Chemical Analysis section (including toxicology, controlled substances, and chemistry), the Forensic Biology/DNA section, and the Identification section (including computer crimes).



The laboratory also has two non-analytical sections which include: the Quality section and the Laboratory Support Services section (including administration, evidence receiving, and case management).

Selection Plan

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FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

Meet Minimum Qualifications:

Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Educational Credits:

List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.

Resume Policy:

Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

Preferred Shift/Location:

Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

Timely Submission:

All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

Salary Calculations

: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

Note

: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

Referral Questions:

This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

Prepare For An Interview:

Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Note:

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION:

Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:

State Employees

Two (2) most recent performance evaluations Completed CT-HR-13 Cover letter A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)

Non-State Employees

Two (2) professional reference contact information including name, email, and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor) Completed CT-HR-13 Cover letter A copy of your unofficial transcript(s) Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.


Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to

Ben Beaudry

at Benjamin.Beaudry@CT.Gov.



Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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In the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation this class is accountable for conducting chemical, biochemical and physical analyses of a variety of substances.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical and toxicological analyses of organic and inorganic substances to determine identity and concentration of substances; Calibrates instruments and prepares and standardizes solutions and reagents; Maintains records of examinations; Conducts chemical analyses of drinking water from public and private supplies according to standard methods of water analysis; Tests samples of sewage, river water, trade wastes and sludge for regulated pollutants; Performs chemical and physical examinations of sewage and trade wastes to make determinations such as those for solids, ash, volatile matter, chlorides, nitrates, ammonia and organic nitrogen; Performs chemical analyses of samples from swimming pools and bathing beaches for chemical contaminants; Tabulates and plots curves of results of water analyses; Prepares reports of investigations; Prepares reagents; Performs chemical analyses of food and dairy products; Utilizes universal laboratory precautions; Utilizes computers related to laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance data and test reports; May perform biochemical and toxicological analyses of human specimens as well as environmental samples for toxic substances in postmortem and medical/legal cases; May assist in biochemical and toxicological research; Performs related duties as required.




DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
Performs chemical and physical analyses using instrumental analysis or wet chemical testing on materials such as paint, Portland cement, steel alloys, hydrated lime, lime, fuel oils, chlorides in concrete, water, epoxy, admixtures, sodium and chloride purities used by the department on construction or maintenance projects; Performs physical and chemical tests on other materials such as glass spheres, hay and wood fibers, topsoil and wood chips; Compiles data for periodic summary and statistical reports; Performs laboratory procedures necessary to validate improved and newly developed testing methods and procedures; May calibrate field instruments and prepare and standardize solutions and reagents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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Knowledge of + principles, methods and procedures of chemistry;
+ quantitative and qualitative chemistry;
+ equipment and instruments used in modern public laboratories;
+ applicable analytical techniques;
+ laboratory quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures;
+ universal laboratory precautions;
+ laboratory hazards and safety;
Skills + interpersonal skills;
+ oral and written communication skills;
+ in operation of chemical instruments and equipment;
+ in data analysis and interpretation;
Ability to + conduct standard analytical chemical tests;
+ utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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Five (5) years of experience in an industrial, public health, toxicology, medical or materials laboratory involving scientific work in the field of chemistry.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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College training in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Master's degree in chemistry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience. Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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Experience analyzing biological samples for drugs and alcohol; Experience in the operation of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; Experience performing method development within a forensic setting; Experience performing quality control testing of reagents; Experience utilizing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); Experience managing and completing tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests and immunizations for communicable diseases. Incumbents in this class may be required to have specific education and/or experience to meet the various certification and/or licensing requirements. Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo and successfully complete security background checks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.