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Chemistry Technician

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PAvia Commonwealth of PA
Are you ready to put your technical expertise and analytical skills to work in a career that helps uphold the integrity and reliability of forensic science? As a Chemistry Technician with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), you will have the chance to grow your abilities while supporting a mission built on public service and accountability. This role helps you build practical laboratory experience that strengthens your technical foundation. Your work will play an important part that supports the PSP core values and advances scientific excellence. Apply today for this meaningful opportunity to support important public safety goals through science and service.

This position supports laboratory functions that ensure accurate scientific preparation, evidence handling, and instrument upkeep. The role helps maintain smooth daily operations that support forensic work across the Bureau of Forensic Services. As a Chemistry Technician, you will perform the following duties:

  • Reagent Preparation: Prepare analytical reagents, standard solutions, clean glassware, and perform quality assurance tests
  • Evidence Handling: Assist with receiving, storing, transferring, and returning physical evidence and communicate with submitting agencies
  • Instrument Support: Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment
  • Technical Assistance: Provide support to forensic scientists during bench analysis and routine lab procedures
  • Inventory Control: Manage laboratory supplies, maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) files, and oversee library reference materials
  • Record Management: Prepare and archive laboratory case records and documentation

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Completion of 60 college credits including nine credits in chemistry.

Other Requirements:

  • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

  • This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.
  • You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing dateLate applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

  • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

  • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
  • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
  • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
  • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
    • your score may be lower than deserved.
    • you may be disqualified.
  • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
  • Your results will be provided via email.
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