Employment Opportunity


Forensic Scientist I (Drug Chemistry)

Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Denver, Colorado

Salary: $60,372.00 - $84,516.00 Annually

Final Filing Date: July 21, 2025

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) maintains four operational forensic science laboratories throughout the state: Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction and Greeley. Forensic Services is responsible for the scientific analysis of physical evidence collected from crime scenes. The role of our scientists is to evaluate and examine the evidence using the latest state of the art techniques, and objectively testify for the prosecution or defense for the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that we serve. In order to best serve the citizens of Colorado, we strive to build and maintain partnerships not only with law enforcement agencies but also within the communities we serve.

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

The trainee position is accountable for reading and understanding all information as it relates to the following: safety and security, CBI/CDPS policies and procedures, administrative processes, information relating to hardware, software and computer applications and the CBIFS Quality Manual. Likewise, this position is responsible for learning all aspects, including safety, processes, operations, procedures, techniques, rules and regulations for the preservation, analysis and interpretation of the physical evidence collected in criminal cases for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Forensic Scientist I must learn and perform all technical and administrative aspects of the work at the highest level of quality, ensuring the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 are met. Technical aspects of this position include, but are not limited to: proper handling and secure storage of evidence, chain of custody requirements, laboratory safety and all facets of casework. Administrative aspects include, but are not limited to: evidence tracking, entering accurate and complete case documentation into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems, and accurate, factual and timely report writing detailing the findings of the analysis.

Once the trainee begins to perform mentored casework, the individual will serve as a liaison with all law enforcement partners of the CBIFS and must demonstrate the highest level of customer service, both internally and externally. This individual must demonstrate competency by successfully passing the discipline training plan and competency test(s), and must participate in continued skills-based training and personal professional development.

This position is responsible for regularly consulting with and deferring to Forensic Scientist II & III personnel to ensure their understanding of system or discipline/sub-discipline specific policies, procedures and practices and to obtain assistance with challenging customer service scenarios as it relates to all aspects of the forensic scientist position. Overall the trainee position prepares the individual to assume the full responsibilities associated with the Forensic Scientist II position.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, or other natural science field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Current CDPS employee
  • Current or past CBI Forensic Services Intern
  • Current or past CBI Forensic Services temporary employee
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Must be Colorado resident at the time of application
  • Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, psychological evaluation and drug testing.
  • A valid driver's license is required. This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide expert courtroom testimony statewide. This position may be required to drive state vehicle.
  • This position may be required to handle, package, store and perform analysis on item of evidence that contain hazardous materials or items that have been exposed to hazardous materials. Toxic chemicals are utilized throughout the laboratory during analyses.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!

How to apply: Apply online

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Posted: July 11, 2025


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