Forensic Chemist I

Advertisement Closes 9/25/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2604887 Forensic Chemist I Pay Grade 14 Salary $50,000.00 Annually Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK | Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Kentucky State Police | Location 100 Sower Boulevard, Suite 102 Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

About the role

Kentucky State Police is the premier, full-service law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With the highest level of professionalism and integrity the Kentucky State Police works to prevent, reduce, and deter crime and the fear of crime; enhance highway safety through education and enforcement; protect and safeguard individual rights; and provide leadership, training, technical, and operational support to the criminal justice community. A Forensic Chemist hired for Trace Analysis will be trained to work several different disciplines within the Trace Analysis section. Due to the nature of Trace Analysis, evidence submissions may include ignitable liquids, hairs, fibers, glass, paint, tape, gunshot residue, and unknown specimens. Court room testimony of analytical results are required.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes substances submitted by law enforcement agencies to determine properties and identity, and to determine whether an association exists between materials.
• Receives specialized training in designated forensic disciplines.
• Compiles and reviews laboratory reports regarding analysis of submitted evidence.
• Maintains review of work-related literature and other documents.
• Provides testimony throughout the Commonwealth pertaining to forensic analysis and reports.
• Receives and releases evidence and is responsible for the security of such evidence until released.
• Maintains laboratory instrumentation.
• Responds to crime scenes and other work-related special details.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements: EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, forensic science, or a related science field. EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE. Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE. Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE.

Working Conditions: Incumbents typically perform duties in a forensic laboratory setting. May have some contact with contagious diseases and/or body fluids or regular exposure to noxious odors, chemical substances, and biohazardous compounds, which may require following safety procedures. Regular handling of sharp surgical instruments.

Probationary Period: This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 12 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact: If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jack Reid at jack.reid@ky.gov.

Skills

• Significant attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong problem solver.

Pay

Salary $50,000.00 annually (Pay Grade 14).

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week, eligible for overtime pay.