Senior Criminal Forensic Scientist (DPS #67840)
- State of New Mexico
- Hobbs, New Mexico
- Full Time
Senior Criminal Forensic Scientist (DPS #67840)
AgencyDepartment of Public Safety
Posting End Date08/11/2025
Job Posting TypeStandard Requisition
Job ID156673
Location
Hobbs
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
Regular/TemporaryRegular - PERM for State
Salary
$44.98 - $71.96 Hourly
$93,552 - $149,683 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C12
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic analysis to 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony throughout New Mexico in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/fool Marks, Latent Prints and Controlled Substance Analysis. The Forensic Laboratory Bureau encompasses three forensic laboratories: Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Hobbs. The mission is to provide unbiased scientific results to client agencies, including federal, state, local and tribal agencies on criminal cases submitted for forensic analysis.
Why does the job exist?
This Criminal Forensic Scientists - Chemist performs analysis of controlled substance evidence; the incumbent will be responsible for independently collecting, classifying, identifying, and analyzing controlled substance evidence related to criminal investigations; testify as expert witnesses regarding the techniques used, results /conclusions made and chain of custody of evidence items; conduct peer reviews of chemistry casework and testify to results as needed; order supplies/consumables and perform regular instrument maintenance; assist with external quality assessments related to accreditation and compliance with quality standards; conduct controlled substance inventory; maintain a cohesive work environment that encourages professionalism, excellent customer service and exemplifies code of conduct. Maintain accreditation standards throughout.
How does it get done?
The position will be responsible for:
- Producing formal reports that accurately identify and analyze physical evidence to determine their
significance to the investigation.
- Presenting the results, conclusions and expert opinion in the scientific analysis of the controlled substance
evidence.
- Providing expert witness testimony regarding their findings in courts of law throughout the State of New
Mexico.
- Performing QA/QC to assure quality analysis, evidence integrity, and maintain accreditation standards.
Who are the customers?
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico Citizens.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or in Biology Forensic Science which must include a minimum of 20 credit hours of coursework.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all
terms and conditions of Federal and State Law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results.
Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice
Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive
Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate.
Statewide travel will be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to Visual/Video Terminal (VDT) and exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft will be required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; and exposure to noise from equipment and instruments utilized in the laboratory Is required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Sarah Salameh .... Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
AgencyDepartment of Public Safety
Posting End Date08/11/2025
Job Posting TypeStandard Requisition
Job ID156673
Location
Hobbs
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
Regular/TemporaryRegular - PERM for State
Salary
$44.98 - $71.96 Hourly
$93,552 - $149,683 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C12
Posting Details
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory that provides forensic analysis to 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony throughout New Mexico in the disciplines of DNA/Biology, Firearms/fool Marks, Latent Prints and Controlled Substance Analysis. The Forensic Laboratory Bureau encompasses three forensic laboratories: Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Hobbs. The mission is to provide unbiased scientific results to client agencies, including federal, state, local and tribal agencies on criminal cases submitted for forensic analysis.
Why does the job exist?
This Criminal Forensic Scientists - Chemist performs analysis of controlled substance evidence; the incumbent will be responsible for independently collecting, classifying, identifying, and analyzing controlled substance evidence related to criminal investigations; testify as expert witnesses regarding the techniques used, results /conclusions made and chain of custody of evidence items; conduct peer reviews of chemistry casework and testify to results as needed; order supplies/consumables and perform regular instrument maintenance; assist with external quality assessments related to accreditation and compliance with quality standards; conduct controlled substance inventory; maintain a cohesive work environment that encourages professionalism, excellent customer service and exemplifies code of conduct. Maintain accreditation standards throughout.
How does it get done?
The position will be responsible for:
- Producing formal reports that accurately identify and analyze physical evidence to determine their
significance to the investigation.
- Presenting the results, conclusions and expert opinion in the scientific analysis of the controlled substance
evidence.
- Providing expert witness testimony regarding their findings in courts of law throughout the State of New
Mexico.
- Performing QA/QC to assure quality analysis, evidence integrity, and maintain accreditation standards.
Who are the customers?
Forensic Laboratory staff, Law Enforcement Agencies, Criminal Justice Agencies, and New Mexico Citizens.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or in Biology Forensic Science which must include a minimum of 20 credit hours of coursework.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all
terms and conditions of Federal and State Law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results.
Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice
Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a current Defensive
Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Certificate.
Statewide travel will be required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to Visual/Video Terminal (VDT) and exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft will be required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.; frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; and exposure to noise from equipment and instruments utilized in the laboratory Is required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Sarah Salameh .... Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Job ID: 488925588
Originally Posted on: 8/10/2025
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