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 Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Chemist III

Opening Date: March 10, 2026

Closing Date: April 6, 2026

Job Class Code: 6403

Grade:27 (Supervisory)

Salary: $68,140.80 - $96,220.80 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 10.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 20002-4701

Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

Job Description:

The Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) provides seized drug and forensic toxicology testing services to the citizens of Maine. This position will serve as the supervisor of the seized drug testing unit within the Forensic Chemistry section of HETL. Primary responsibilities include:

Core Responsibilities:

As a key member of the HETL FCS team, your core responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing daily operations of the Seized Drug Unit

• Ensuring seized drug cases are completed efficiently and on schedule

• Communicating with law enforcement and the legal community to prioritize rush cases and assist with scheduling analysts for court dates

• Becoming trained and competent in all testing methods to assist with seized drug analysis as needed

• Participating in proficiency testing

• Technically reviewing seized drug cases

• Testifying to results of seized drug cases as needed

• Training new analysts

• Participating in annual internal audits

• Leading validations of new instruments and methods

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related laboratory science and four (4) years professional level experience in analytical chemistry. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Ability to meet the State of Maine certification standards for Persons Conducting Chemical Analysis for the Detection and Identification of Drugs (DHHS Rule 10-144 Chapter 266)
• At least six years’ experience in a forensic/analytical laboratory with at least two years’ experience in a supervisory role
• At least 24 college credit hours of Chemistry
• Experience working in an accredited Forensic Laboratory and knowledge of ANAB Forensic Testing Laboratory Accreditation including ISO/IEC 17025 and AR 3125 standards
• Experience working with forensic quality assurance and quality control practices and procedures
• Experience examining evidence for the presence of controlled substances
• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, FTIR and LC/MS
• Knowledge of seized drug related standards and recommendations (SWGDRUG, OSAC, etc.)
• Experience testifying in a court of law as a forensic expert witness
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, LIMS and instrumentation software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners

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.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Samson Omole, Health & Environmental Testing Laboratory Director at (207) 287-2703.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@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 Fit – 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 ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 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 ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

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.

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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.