State Patrol Forensic Scientist I, II, or III

The work we do matters

Hiring Agency:
State Patrol - Agency 64

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$32.167

Job Posting:
JR2025-00021317 State Patrol Forensic Scientist I, II, or III (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
12-17-2025

Job Description:
**If selected for this position, the applicant must meet the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) employment eligibility requirements by completing an Employment Eligibility Verification(EEV)/ Form I-9. The agency does not sponsor H1-B Visa's.**

The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory (NSPCL) is developing a list of qualified candidates to fill one Forensic Scientist position in their Controlled Substances Section.
The NSPCL is an ISO 17025 internationally accredited laboratory located in Lincoln, Nebraska providing services to law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
The individuals filling these positions will be responsible for analyzing evidence submitted to the laboratory for the presence of controlled substances and providing testimony regarding these findings in courts throughout the state of Nebraska. Duties include but are not limited to:
• Perform analysis of evidence for the presence of controlled substances.
• Maintain chain of custody and evidence integrity of samples submitted for analysis.
• Writing and issuing reports of results of analyses.
• Perform instrument maintenance as needed.
• Perform technical review of the analytical work done by scientists assigned to the controlled substances section.
• Confer with allied law enforcement agencies and state and federal prosecutors regarding analysis of evidence.
• Provide testimony regarding analyses in city, county, tribal, and federal courts in the state of Nebraska.

FSI hourly rate: $ 27.835

FSII hourly rate: $ 29.924

FSIII hourly rate: $32.167

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Forensic Scientist I: Bachelor's degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist II: Two years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent, to include time devoted to a relevant training program provided by that laboratory; possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type and successful completion of at least one relevant proficiency test AND Bachelor's degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Forensic Scientist III: Six years of experience working in a relevant specific discipline in a nationally accredited forensic laboratory or equivalent; Possession of a laboratory Work Authorization in at least one forensic analysis type, successful completion of at least five proficiency tests; experience providing testimony in a court setting as a forensic expert in the relevant discipline AND Bachelor's degree in the fields of physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, or other relevant fields, where specific scientific coursework in job related specialties have been completed.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related discipline with courses and labs in general, organic, and analytical (instrumental) chemistry. Experience/knowledge of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Infrared Spectroscopy. Experience with and/or knowledge of statistical data analysis. Computer skills to include use of Excel and Access programs. Analyst should possess skills in multi-tasking, organization, and be an independent individual who is self-motivated and needs minimal supervision.

Other:

• Transcripts demonstrating completion of required degree and chemistry coursework MUST be attached with application to be considered.
• A valid driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation is needed for job-related travel.
• Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to your applicant information. Failure to complete all areas of your employment application may result in your application being disqualified from our selection process.
• Regular and reliable attendance is expected.
• Applicants will be screened for a record of criminal activity and criminal history using a fingerprint-based check before a final offer of employment is made. Applicants must be free of felony convictions.
• Applicants cannot maintain a continuous association or dealings with persons, groups, or organizations that they know, or should know are persons or groups or organizations under criminal investigation or indictment or who have a reputation for present, ongoing involvement in felonious or criminal behavior.
• Applicant must successfully complete an extensive background screening prior to being employed, which includes completion of a Personal History Questionnaire.

Knowledge of:

• The principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and/or other areas of science related to the work assigned.
• The principles of chromatography and mass spectrometry

Skill in:

• General laboratory activities, including but not limited to:
  • Proper pipetting
  • Proper chemical handling and safety
  • Contamination mitigation
• Following laboratory procedures and thoroughly documenting results of analyses
• Use of analytical chemistry instrumentation to include the following: gas chromatograph, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, and UV-Vis.

Ability to:

• Observe and compare size, shape, quantity, color, small details and reactions.
• Learn and apply the relevant information from Nebraska Revised Statues to procedures and testing done at the NSPCL.
• Comprehend and apply knowledge from scientific and technical journals and textbooks.
• Communicate clearly with allied agencies regarding the testing done in the NSPCL Toxicology section.
• Provide testimony regarding controlled substance analyses.
• Pass assigned competency and proficiency tests.

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Benefits

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Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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