Jobs and Careers

Forensic Scientist 2 (In-Training) Project Position in Seattle

State of Washington

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 7 Jul 2026

💰 $91,104/yr($61,332/yr – $91,104/yr)

About the role

Posting number: P347_FS2_TLD_Sea_070726

Department: Washington State Patrol

Division: Toxicology Laboratory Division

Job classification: FORENSIC SCIENTIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Legal, Law Enforcement, Miscellaneous, Laboratory, Customer Service, Training, Forensics, Sciences

Summary

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.

The Seattle Toxicology Laboratory is hiring for one Forensic Scientist 2 position.
This is a project position with an end date of June 30, 2029, however funding is anticipated beyond that date.

Forensic Scientist 1 (in-training)$ 5,111 - $ 6,870Forensic Scientist 2 (in-training)$ 5,642 - $ 7,592
About the Position:

The Toxicology Laboratory is a Division within the Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau of the WSP, providing statewide forensic toxicology services (alcohol and drug testing in biological specimens) for law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, medical examiners and coroners as outlined in RCW 43.43.670 and WAC 448-14. This position supports the mission by providing expert forensic analysis of toxicology evidence in statewide criminal investigations. This position will be primarily responsible for conducting blood alcohol (volatiles) analysis utilizing headspace gas chromatography.

About the Division:

The Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, 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 19,000 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 50 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.

Examples of 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 in WA.
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 pro