Department of Public Safety, State Police, Crime Laboratory 

Job Class Code:4218 
Grade: 25 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $26.16 - $36.69 (Hourly)
Location: Augusta

Opening Date: April 25, 2025

Closing Date:  May 11, 2025

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Directs the processing and recording of and/or processes and records major crime scenes, autopsies, and related items such as vehicles in order to ensure evidence is identified, collected, and processed correctly.
• Locates and develops latent prints from evidence; fingerprints and/or palmprints individuals and cadavers; and makes footwear and tire casts and impressions; and compares prints and impressions with known samples in order to establish positive identification and render expert opinion.
• Examines and test fires firearms; microscopically examines spent bullets, cartridge casings, and rounds of ammunition; performs serial number restorations and fracture comparisons; compares typewriter and toolmark impressions; and analyzes gunpowder and primer residues and shotgun patterns in order to positively identify an item of evidence and render an expert opinion.
• Works with forensic scientists, law enforcement, Attorney General's Office, and other officials at crime scenes and as a member of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team in order to protect and process criminal evidence.
• Operates scientific equipment and employs an array of forensic laboratory examination techniques in order to conduct scientific investigations of evidence.
• Employs specialized lighting and photographic techniques in photographing evidence in order to facilitate the analysis and/or comparison of evidence and support testimony through the use of visual aids.
• Prepares forensic case reports of evidentiary findings and provides expert opinion regarding forensic examinations and results in order to aide prosecutors in case preparation.
• Prepares identification comparison charts of fingerprints and other evidence in order to show that latent impressions are identical to known impressions.
  Testifies as a State expert witness before Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Courts in order to present facts and render expert opinions regarding forensic examinations and results.
• Instructs at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, conducts workshops, and speaks to public groups on specific areas of expertise and Maine State Police Crime Laboratory operations in order to train law enforcement personnel and provide information to the public.
• Conducts research and develops forensic techniques concerning the examination of latent prints, footwear, firearms, fractures, and tools; and submits study results for publication in order to increase expertise and data available to other experts in the field.
• Performs semi-annual collaborative testing examinations in order to maintain measurable proficiency standards in appropriate disciplines.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of Maine State Police Crime Laboratory mission, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of latent print examination theory, methodology, and techniques.
• Knowledge of forensic chemistry, including fingerprint dusting powder, fingerprint brushes, reagents, fluorescent powders, dye stains, superglue, and adhesive tapes.
• Knowledge of print powder dusting methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the collection, preservation and continuity of evidence.
• Knowledge of automated fingerprint identification systems.
• Knowledge of firearms and toolmark examination theory, methodology, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the Maine Court system, rules, and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal and scientific investigation theory, techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of photographic techniques used to record and perform photographic analysis of physical evidence.
• Ability to process crime scenes.
• Ability to complete a successful lift of a print or impression.
• Ability to work in unfavorable and stressful conditions.
• Ability to ascertain facts and form logical conclusions.
• Ability to operate highly technical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform involved scientific examinations.
• Ability to prepare factually driven technical reports.
• Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.
• Ability to instruct others in areas of expertise and crime laboratory operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and report forensic findings in compliance with laboratory standards.
• Ability to follow laboratory policies, protocols, and accreditation guidelines/requirements.
• Ability to perform technical and administrative reviews of expert reports generated by other lab scientists.

   

Minimum qualifications:

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Preference will be given to individuals with prior forensic science laboratory experience in firearms examination and comparison microscopy or similarly related forensic comparative analysis.  

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Lt. Michael Zabarsky at 207-624-7100 or Michael.H.Zabarsky@Maine.Gov

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.