If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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Department of Public Safety
Job Class Code: 4214
Grade: 27 (Professional/Technical) 
Salary: $66,924.00 - $94,036.80/Annually *Salary includes 10% Stipend
Location: Augusta, ME 
Opening Date: November 13, 2026 
Closing Date: December 1, 2026

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

DESCRIPTION: This is professional scientific work in analyzing physical evidence collected in connection with criminal investigations. Responsibilities include working closely with medical examiners, physicians, and law enforcement personnel in obtaining evidence, and using chemical, physical, and biological tests to identify blood group, enzyme and protein systems, other body fluids, hair, paint, glass, and other fibrous materials which are collected as evidence. Responsibilities also include presenting and defending findings in courts of law. Functional direction may be exercised over lower level chemists in the performance of analyses. Work is performed under limited supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned). Analyzes blood to determine type and identify protein and enzyme systems. Examines body fluids, hair, glass, paint, and other fibrous material to determine type and accurately match with other samples. Photographs crime scenes and autopsies to document evidence and other subject matter. Collects crime scene evidence and packages, marks, and maintains continuity of evidence to ensure evidence is properly handled and submitted for examination. Testifies in court to establish credentials as an expert witness and present and defend examination results. Writes and completes correspondence, reports, and logs, and maintains related files to store information for future reference and retrieval. Orders and maintains serology chemicals, reagents, and related supplies and equipment to perform required laboratory examinations and tests. Instructs and lectures on forensic chemistry and related subjects to provide information concerning forensic science and crime laboratory operations. Oversees, guides, and advises subordinate employees to ensure forensic chemistry analysis work is performed and recorded in accordance with established standards.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned). Knowledge of forensic science theory, methods, and techniques. Knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment. Knowledge of biochemistry, serology, and immunohematology. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative organic chemical analysis. Knowledge of sample collection and preservation. Knowledge of rules of evidence. Knowledge of photography and photographic equipment. Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles. Ability to conduct scientific examinations and analyze organic substances. Ability to perform advanced serological chemical analyses. Ability to formulate conclusions and recommendations, and defend decisions on the basis of established test procedures and techniques. Ability to become court qualified as an expert in forensic serology. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience). A Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Forensic Chemistry, or Criminalistics and three (3) years experience in forensic science laboratory work which includes testifying as an expert witness in court -OR- a Master's Degree in any of the above sited areas -OR- a related degree and four (4) years experience in forensic science laboratory work. Directly related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience with a sexual assault kit tracking program or related cloud-based systems is preferred.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class). None.

To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at recruiting.sesc@maine.gov

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 Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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 of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to 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 fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days 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.

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.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.