Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.
Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.
Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please email
[email protected]. For submitted application inquiries please contact
[email protected]. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.
We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!
Closing Date: August 26th, 2026, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions
Forensic Chemist
Medical Examiner’s Office
Hourly Range: $33.92 - $50.88
Job Summary: The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office is charged with investigating and determining the cause, circumstances and manner in each case of sudden, unexpected, or unusual death. The goal of the Toxicology Unit is to provide high quality timely analysis to assist the Medical Examiner’s Office in determination of cause and manner of death. Forensic Chemists are a key part to this goal. Under the direction of the Forensic Technical Director, the Forensic Chemist must be competent, experienced, and unbiased in providing reliable, reproducible, and defensible results which aid in investigations, charging decisions, and court proceedings.
Job Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the chemical data analysis which involves liquid/liquid and solid phase extractions of blood, urine, and tissue homogenates for drugs. Maintain records as well as prepare reports of findings and interpretation when necessary.
- Maintain knowledge of the accreditation checklist and participate in quality initiatives and improvements. Assist lab preparation for accreditation inspection. Perform annual reviews of technical policies to provide input and propose updates/edits.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain complex laboratory equipment in the performance of qualitative and quantitative analyses, utilizing immunoassay, chromatography, and mass spectrometry for screening, confirmation, and quantification of chemicals in biological matrices.
- Provide expert witness testimony to courts of law when requested regarding laboratory processes, final report, drug classes and effects. Maintain basic knowledge of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC/American Standards Board (ASB) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Participate in department research activities including technology development, quality improvement, preparation and publication of findings. Interact with the toxicology community to share best practices as well as data findings important to public health and forensic toxicology trends.
- Assist in training and education of the process, procedures, and methods utilized in forensic toxicology testing to pathology residents, post-doctoral toxicology fellows, medical students, and student interns affiliated with the office.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Resident of Wisconsin
- Current Wisconsin Driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; both maintained throughout employment
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Pharmacology; may accept a degree in a closely related field such as forensic science.
- At least one (1) year of experience working in a toxicology lab performing appropriate analytical tasks (e.g. completing extractions, operating instrumentation, and data analysis).
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, specifically Word and Excel
- Hands-on experience with instruments used in Forensics such as Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometers (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometers
- Note: Position requires a criminal background check; felony and some misdemeanor convictions would be a barrier to employment.
NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.
APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION
Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.
