Criminalist I - Drug Analysis

Full Job Description

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Drug Chemist/Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - Drug Analysis Department. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, integrity, and a basic understanding of scientific principles involved in drug analysis.

About SLEDThe South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina.

With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice.

Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.

From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibility
Serve as a Drug Chemist for SLED whose primary responsibility is to perform scientific examinations of drug related evidence. Provide expert testimony on examination results to courts of law. Represent SLED and the Drug Analysis Department in a professional manner at all times.

Specific Duties

• Perform chemical analysis on submitted evidence. Generate appropriate scientific documentation/records and reports of analysis.
• Provide testimony in legal proceedings.
• Maintain responsibility/security for all evidence in his/her custody. Maintain and verify all chain of custody records and coordinate the return/destruction of assigned evidence.
• Assist with the evaluation, procurement, validation, repair, maintenance, and calibration of analytical instrumentation and complete all required documentation. Follow all applicable quality assurance and safety procedures. Assist with laboratory accreditation related functions.
• Participate in various training programs related to the fields of drug chemistry and law enforcement. Training includes quality and safety topics. Maintain extensive knowledge of the chemical properties and drug laws associated with controlled substance and appropriate method of analysis.
• Maintain certification as a commissioned Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Chemistry, or related science with a minimum thirty semester hours in Chemistry from an accredited college or university.
• Must have the ability to meet all requirements of a Class III certified law enforcement officer commissioned by the State of South Carolina.
• Must have knowledge of forensic laboratory techniques.
• Must be familiar with the operation and theoretical principles of the Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR).
• Ability to analyze evidence, interpret findings, prepare scientific reports, communicate effectively, and testify effectively in court.
• Must be capable of completing the training for certification within one year of employment.
• Must have the ability to obtain competency and maintain proficiency in the appropriate categories of testing.
• Ability to respond after normal business hours for functions related to the Drug Analysis Department or other components of SLED
• Position subject to be on call 24 hours, 7 days a week as designated.

Qualifications

Prior experience in drug analysis, reporting and testimony in criminal cases.

Additional Information

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.