Forensic Scientist 3 (In-Training)

Forensic Scientist 3 (In-Training) - Federal Way

Salary

$61,332.00 - $110,952.00 Annually

Location

King County - Federal Way, WA

Job Type Full Time - Permanent

Job Number 1592_FS2_TLD_FW_102926

Department Washington State Patrol

Division Toxicology Laboratory Division

Opening Date 10/30/2026

Closing Date 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Benefits

Description

• The Federal Way Toxicology Laboratory is hiring for a Forensic Scientist 3 in-training position.
• In addition to your salary, you will receive 5% geographic pay.
• The hiring committee is anticipating conducting interviews the week on December 7, 2026.
• This position has been designated as “in-training”. As such, WSP will consider filling this position at the Forensic Scientist 1, or Forensic Scientist 2 level. The salary range will depend upon at which level the position is filled at and the qualifications of the successful candidate.
• Forensic Scientist 1: In-training Approx. 12 months$5,111 - $6,870
• Forensic Scientist 2: In-training Approx. 18 months$5,642 - $7,592
• Forensic Scientist 3: In-training Approx. 6 months$6,870 - $9,246

About the Position:

• The Forensic Scientist is responsible for conducting analyses on submitted evidence using approved instrumentation and methods, interpretation of toxicology results, and providing testimony of their findings in court.

About the Division:

• The Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory Division, established in 1963, performs drug and alcohol testing for coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) in all 39 Washington counties. The Division receives approximately 18,000 cases per year of which approximately 65 percent are law enforcement DUI cases and 35 percent coroner/medical examiner cases. The Division is overseen by the Division Commander and has a staff of 45 personnel consisting of State Toxicologist, Management, Forensic Scientist Supervisors, Forensic Scientists, Quality Assurance, Property and Evidence Custodians, and Administrative staff. Forensic Scientists perform analysis of samples submitted to the laboratory and provide court testimony as experts on alcohol, drugs, and their effects.

About the Agency:

• The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.

Duties

• Conduct routine case analyses on evidence submitted to the toxicology lab, using approved methods, under the direction from supervisors or management staff.
• Receive continued training.
• Further knowledge on the operation and maintenance of the laboratory instrumentation.
• Provide court testimony when necessary.
• Explain the meaning of the results to our customers and user agencies.
• Perform routine analytical testing for alcohol and drugs on biological samples.
• Report scientific findings supported by data using a laboratory information management system.
• Provide expert opinions and explains the role that alcohol or drugs may play based on training and experience as a forensic scientist.
• Quality Assurance processes to include instrument maintenance, peer batch review (where applicable), method validation and verification, and proficiency testing.
• Perform testing to validate and verify methods using guidelines established by the QA department.
• Evaluates data.
• Perform testing on proficiency samples.
• Perform instrument maintenance.
• Perform peer batch review.
• Provide training to the customer.
• Performs laboratory safety duties.
• Assist in the lab cleanliness.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License or able to obtain one within 30 days of employment to travel as required to provide court testimony.
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science or closely related field. (Examples of related fields include but are not limited to: pharmacology, medical technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, genetics, cellular or molecular biology or toxicology.)
• Chemistry coursework required. 20 semester or 30 quarter hours. Including a minimum of 5 quarter hours of quantitative chemistry laboratory or equivalent (with a passing grade).
• Equity Competencies
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.

• Must be willing to travel statewide, and other states, for court testimony.

• Provide an oral DNA sample to be used in the CODIS Elimination Profile Index.

• Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.

• Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.

• Continuous growth and development opportunities.

• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work

• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01

• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Supplemental Information

• This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

• The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

• Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.

• Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

• More than Just a Paycheck!

• Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

• We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

• The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

• Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

• Insurance Benefits

• Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

• Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

• To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees

Benefits

• Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

• Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

• Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

• The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

• Retirement and Deferred Compensation

• State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two em