Laboratory Assistant, Biology Unit, Grade 14

About the Position

The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $53,567 per year to $82,745 per year, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 800 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922, and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an entry-level laboratory assistant to serve in the Forensic Biology Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.

About the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD)

Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.

Position Requirements

Please see below required and preferred criteria for each level and be certain to address all required and preferred criteria for the level to which you are applying.

Why Join MCPD?

As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

What You'll Be Doing

The Laboratory Assistant provides critical technical and administrative support to the Forensic Biology Unit. This role assists Forensic Scientists in analyzing biological samples using advanced robotic and instrumental techniques. Key responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment, managing QA/QC protocols, and ensuring the integrity of evidence through proper preservation and inventory control.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate robotic workstations and scientific instrumentation to assist with sample analysis
• Quality assurance/quality control activities
• Perform routine maintenance on instruments and lab equipment
• Prepare Chemical Reagents
• Transport Evidence
• Manage evidence preservation, supply ordering, and inventory database management
• Provide expert court testimony regarding laboratory procedures and analyses as required
• Testify in court regarding these duties

Work of a forensic laboratory assistant involves prolonged periods of standing and bending while assisting with analyses, as well as lifting and carrying objects weighing twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds. All laboratory assistant work requires sufficient hand dexterity to collect, examine, and process physical evidence.

Applicants must have the ability to:

• Pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the MCPD. (8 week process)
• Pass a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen.

Minimum Qualifications

In addition to the MQs from the PD/Class Spec, if the minimum qualifications from the Classification Specification do not fully describe the needs of your position, add the relevant areas of experience below:

Experience: One (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.

Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland

Equivalency: None

LICENSE: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s State of residence.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

• Experience working in an ISO accredited forensic or DNA laboratory.
• Experience with operating liquid handling robotic platforms/instruments.
• Experience handling minute biological samples and practicing contamination prevention techniques.
• Experience conducting quality assurance/quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• 30 college credits (equal to one year of academic study) with classes in natural, physical, or forensic science

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.

Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.

MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.

This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.