Become a Forensic Leader: Supervisory Chemist with the DEA
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stands at the forefront of the fight against illegal drug distribution in the United States. We are currently searching for a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) to join our team in Miami, Florida. If you have the technical expertise and the leadership vision to guide a high-stakes forensic laboratory, this is your opportunity to contribute to a mission that protects the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Chemist, you will serve as a technical authority and manager. Your responsibilities include:
- Personnel Management: Supervise a team of forensic, clerical, and technical employees (GS-7 to GS-13 level).
- Technical Oversight: Direct laboratory activities, ensuring the integrity and security of seized evidence.
- Operational Efficiency: Monitor laboratory workflows, manage backlogs, and implement process improvements.
- Strategic Liaison: Represent the DEA in professional capacities, coordinating with domestic and international partner agencies.
Requirements
To be considered, you must demonstrate the following:
- Education: A degree in physical or life sciences including at least 30 hours of chemistry and 6 hours of physics.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Clearance: Ability to pass a Top Secret clearance and drug screening.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement | Level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Advanced | 1+ year at GS-13 level |
| Education | Academic | 30 hours Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics |
| Security | High Risk | Top Secret Clearance required |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $133,953 to $174,144 per year, commensurate with federal pay scales and experience.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave, federal retirement plans, and potential relocation assistance.
Application Tips
- Resume Management: Your resume must be two pages or less. Be specific about your dates of employment and duties performed.
- Documentation: Provide accurate SF-50 forms to verify your current status and time-in-grade.
- Assessment: Respond to the essay prompts thoughtfully; they are an excellent way for the hiring manager to understand your commitment to the role.
The DEA offers a career path defined by challenge and purpose. If you are ready to apply your scientific knowledge to support federal justice, please submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.
Why This Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) Job Matters
Lead critical forensic operations and influence national security with the Drug Enforcement Administration in Miami.
Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) Job Overview
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is seeking a seasoned leader for the role of Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) at our Miami field laboratory. In this high-impact position, you will oversee a unit of skilled forensic professionals, ensuring the integrity and analysis of evidence critical to prosecuting federal drug trafficking cases. You will guide technical laboratory operations, drive process improvements, and serve as a key subject matter expert in forensic chemistry.
Requirements for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must meet the basic education requirement of a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry.
- Coursework must include mathematics through differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must pass mandatory drug testing.
- Compliance with financial disclosure requirements.
- Submission of official transcripts for all qualifying education.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic)
- Demonstrated experience managing laboratory personnel and technical forensic workflows.
- Expertise in applying forensic chemistry standards to complex criminal investigations.
- Proven track record of improving laboratory turnaround times and operational efficiency.
- Strong communication skills for inter-agency liaison and policy development.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Flexible work-life balance programs, including telework eligibility.
- ✓Relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Chemist (Forensic) Job
- Create or sign in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing relevant experience and duties.
- Submit your online application through the portal before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline.
- Complete the required assessment questionnaire, including provided essay prompts.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts and SF-50 forms.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly limited to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use the assessment questionnaire to clearly demonstrate your subject matter expertise and leadership philosophy.
- Ensure your SF-50 documentation clearly reflects your current grade level and 52 weeks of time-in-grade experience.
- Review your application thoroughly; automated systems will save progress, but ensure accuracy before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
This role involves managing a laboratory unit, supervising staff, and overseeing the analysis of evidence related to controlled substance law violations.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, telework may be permitted with appropriate supervisory approval.
What security clearance is required?
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Job from Drug Enforcement Administration
The DEA is the lead agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substance laws of the United States. Our mission is both challenging and essential. Employees at the DEA work as a unified team, providing critical intelligence and scientific support to criminal investigators. Working here means more than just a job; it is a commitment to public safety and the rule of law.