Forensic Scientist III-ChemistryDrug-Joliet
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Job Location:
Joliet, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 7602 - 11110
Posted on:
5 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Job Requisition ID:55308
Opening Date: 04/15/2026
Closing Date: 05/15/2026
Agency: Illinois State Police
Class Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST III - 15893
Skill Option:Chemistry - Drug / Microscopy / Toxicology / Trace Discipline
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $7602 monthly; Full Range $7602 - $11110 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Will
Number of Vacancies: 5
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail fax hand delivery) will not be considered.
Please upload transcripts with submitted application for review.
Position Overview:
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is seeking to fill the role of Forensic Scientist III within the Division of Forensic Services. This position serves as an advanced forensic scientist in the Drug Chemistry section performing complex analyses of cannabis controlled substances and related evidence. Work includes both routine and advanced casework that may be sensitive or high-profile in nature. This position prepares and issues analytical reports conducts administrative tasks such as compiling individual activity and section backlog data and provides established training to forensic scientist trainees forensic scientists and evidence technicians in evidence handling analytical methods laboratory procedures report writing and court testimony. The selected candidate(s) also will train user agency personnel on proper evidence collection and preservation practices. ISP encourages all those who qualify to apply!
The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:
- Health life vision and dental insurance.
- 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs.
- Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
- Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
- Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
- Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.
Why Work for Illinois
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion equity and dedication that define our state. Whether youre helping to improve schools protect our natural resources or support families in need youre part of something biggersomething that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career youre looking for we offer jobs that fit your life and your scheduleflexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Essential Functions
- Under general supervision serves as an advanced forensic scientist performing analyses in the areas of cannabis controlled substances and related evidence in the Drug Chemistry section including both routine and advanced forensic science casework that is often sensitive and controversial in nature.
- Issues analytical reports on all cases worked.
- Performs administrative duties including compilation and reporting of individual activity and section backlogs to management.
- Provides established training techniques to forensic scientist trainees forensic scientists and/or evidence technicians in the Drug Chemistry section as it relates to evidence handling analytical techniques procedures report writing and court testimony.
- Provides training for user agency personnel in proper methods of collection and preservation of evidence.
- Continues to develop as a forensic scientist by reviewing current literature to maintain expertise and keep abreast of current procedures and techniques used in the analysis of cannabis and controlled substances.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires a Bachelors degree in natural science or forensic science. Option B requires in addition to the bachelors degree in natural or forensic science requirement a minimum of (20) semester hours of coursework in chemistry with a total of (60) semester hours of coursework in natural science.
- Requires five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers at least five (5) years of professional work experience in performing specialized and sensitive physical evidence examination of forensic Drug Chemistry cases in an accurate and progressive manner.
- Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience screening comparing and preserving physical evidence and other materials.
Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in communicating thoughts interpretations and conclusions of scientific examinations in a clear concise and logical manner both orally and in writing. - Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in testifying in court as both an expert and rebuttal witness.
- Prefers at least five (5) years of knowledge in State Federal and local criminal laws and regulations as they relate to the forensic examination of physical evidence.
- Prefers at least five (5) years of work experience in performing preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment; adjusting and calibrating sensitive equipment; and conducting quality control activities.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in performing literature search and other scientific research related to forensic science.
- Prefers at least two (2) years of work experience in coordinating the activities of a small group or staff.
Conditions of Employment
- Successful completion of background investigation.
- Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
- Successful completion of all required competency tests to be authorized to perform the duties of a forensic scientist.
- Ability to adhere to Illinois State Polices ethical standards policies and procedures.
- Successful completion of initial and on-going random alcohol and drug screens.
- Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
- Ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
About the Agency
The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity Service and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 515 Woodruff Rd Joliet Illinois 60432-1260
Work County: Will
Agency Contact:
Posting Group: Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics
This position DOES NOT contain Specialized Skills (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the Apply button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees a link is available at the top left of the homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the View Profile link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on click Application Procedures in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your junk mail spam or other folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
Required Experience:
IC
