Criminalist I – Drug Analysis Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

Criminalist I•Drug Analysis

Salary
$59,079.00 Annually
Location Richland County, SC
Job Type
FTE•Full-Time
Job Number
25-066
Agency
State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Division
Forensic Services
Opening Date
06/19/2025
Closing Date
6/29/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement
No

Class Code:

JA60

Position Number:

61111098

Normal Work Schedule:

Other
Pay Grade
GEN08
Hiring Range•Min.
$59,079.00
Hiring Range•Max.
$59,079.00
Opening Date
06/19/2025
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

All applicants must complete the on-line State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, nor will it be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
Normal Work Schedule (Other):
Monday•Friday (8:30•5:00) with varied hours based on situational response and subject to periodic on-call duty.
Veteran Preference Statement
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Job Responsibilities
About SLED
The 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’s Drug Analysis Department. Perform various laboratory related tasks, and 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 using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and other equipment/techniques. 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/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.
Follow all applicable quality assurance and safety procedures. Assist with laboratory accreditation related functions. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain certification as a commissioned Class III law enforcement officer as required by the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
Minimum and Additional 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).
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.
Response after after normal business hours for functions related to the Drug Analysis Department or other components of SLED may be required.
Limited overnight travel may be required. Position subject to be on call 24 hours, 7 days a week as designated.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in drug analysis, reporting and testimony in criminal cases.
Additional Comments
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
State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
A copy of the Division’s EEOP Utilization Report is available at www.sled.sc.gov
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.
Employer
State of South Carolina
Agency
State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Address
4400 Broad River Road
Columbia, South Carolina, 29210
Phone
803-896-7199
THE

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