QA Specialist Senior - Quality Assurance- Division of Technical Services - CF216

Title: QA Specialist Senior - Quality Assurance- Division of Technical Services - CF216

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $92,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) has relocated to a new, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Hanover County. This modern complex houses staff from the Central Laboratory, the Division of Technical Services, the Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The Division of Technical Services is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented professional to join our dynamic team as a QA Specialist Senior.

In this role, you will support the implementation and coordination of laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and monitor the agency’s four testing laboratories and one calibration laboratory for compliance with accreditation requirements. You will help ensure timely and consistent processing of quality inquiries and corrective actions.

Key responsibilities include acquiring, generating, and maintaining accurate quality program documentation and records related to corrective actions, management review, equipment calibration, and quality system assessments and audits. You will identify technical and quality system concerns within agency laboratories and report findings to the Quality Assurance Section Supervisor and/or the Director of Technical Services.

This position also serves as an Administrator for Ideagen (formerly Qualtrax), developing and monitoring workflows, tests, and training; acts as the agency’s alternate document custodian; and supports the Traceability and Uncertainty of Measurement reporting programs in collaboration with Program Managers. Additional duties include assisting with troubleshooting technical and quality performance issues related to casework, instrumentation, and laboratory processes.

This position requires occasional overnight travel, and the employee must provide their own transportation when necessary.

DFS offers outstanding health benefits at competitive rates, along with paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees also enjoy paid holidays, vacation, and various leave options, access to health and wellness programs, eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, and participation in a state retirement plan with tax-deferred savings options and employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge in laboratory science, forensic science, chemistry, or a related technical field
• Understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles, including corrective actions, audits, accreditation standards, and document control
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, calibration practices, casework processes, and chemical safety
• Experience working in a forensic or analytical laboratory environment with exposure to QA/QC processes
• Experience with or ability to learn electronic quality management systems (e.g., Qualtrax), including workflow development, training, and document administration
• Ability to recognize technical problems and contribute to troubleshooting efforts involving instrumentation, casework performance, or quality system issues
• Experience with reviewing documentation such as corrective actions, proficiency tests, equipment calibration records, and audit findings
• Ability to communicate effectively with program managers, supervisors, staff, and external partnersBasic knowledge of statistics
• Ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate data, prioritize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Eligible to possess a valid driver’s license or have other means of reliable transportation.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation

Additional Considerations

• Completion of documented training from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory in a relevant forensic science discipline, and currently or previously qualified to issue test reports and/or calibration certificates
• Auditor/assessor certification
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applications must be submitted electronically through this website by 11:55 p.m. on the position’s closing date. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand‑delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on the information provided in the application, résumé, and any required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants who need accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource Office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresources@dfs.virginia.gov. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified organization. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni.

DFS does not provide sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain such authorization for the duration of their employment without the need for employer sponsorship or a STEM extension.

Background Investigation: Reference checks will be conducted and will include contact with current and previous supervisors. The selected candidate(s) will be required to successfully complete a background investigation, including a fingerprint‑based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must also provide a DNA sample via buccal swab (saliva) and successfully pass a drug test.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS uses E-Verify+, a streamlined system that integrates the Form I-9 process with employment eligibility verification to electronically confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 22 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 29 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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