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Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 - Job ID - 79636

State Of Minnesota Department of Public Safety
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Minnesota, USA
$71,368 - $105,841 yearly
Dec 03, 2025
Engineering Science

Job Description

Job Description

ELIGIBLE FOR TELEWORK UP TO 2 DAYS A WEEK AFTER TRAINING PERIOD.

This announcement will be used to fill two vacant positions at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level in the Drug Chemistry Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in St. Paul. 

This posting will result in hiring into the following job classifications.  The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant’s qualifications and responses to the interview questions.

• Trainee - Forensic Scientist 1, salary $25.02/hourly

• Forensic Scientist 2, salary range $34.18-$50.69/hourly: $71,368-$105,841/annually

These full-time positions will provide evaluation, examination, analysis, and data interpretation for evidence collected from criminal investigations to inform and support the criminal justice system.  These activities will be conducted within the Drug Chemistry Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services.  They include the use of a variety of scientific techniques and instrumentation to analyze items of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies for the presence or absence of controlled substance.  These activities will be conducted in adherence to the agency policies and procedures in a manner that embodies the mission, vision, and values of the MN BCA.  These positions will also participate in the training, evaluation, continuing education, and quality assurance activities needed for the delivery of accurate and reliable results to agency stakeholders, including expert witness testimony.  Following successful completion of the necessary training programs and establishment within the drug chemistry discipline, these positions may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program. 

 

Additional information for the Trainee – Forensic Scientist 1 classification.  The duration of the training program will not exceed one year with a set salary of $25.02/hr.  Professional level experience in a laboratory or advanced level degrees may lessen the length of this time, but satisfactory performance will govern when the trainee is appointed as a Forensic Scientist 1.

Training will be in the Drug Chemistry discipline of the MN BCA Forensic Science Services and persons hired as a Forensic Scientist

Trainee will typically be trained in topics including but not limited to:

1.      Foundation and application of forensic procedures pertinent to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed

2.      Data analysis and interpretation

3.      Courtroom testimony

4.      Quality assurance as it pertains to forensic science

5.      Chain of custody, evidence handling, examination, and documentation

6.      Criminal court procedures and practices with special reference to rules of evidence

Trainees will work with experienced scientists within the applicable section and throughout the BCA FSS during the training program.

Upon successful performance at the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 classification (maximum of one year), the employee will be appointed to the position of Forensic Scientist 1 and compensated within the salary range of $29.78-$43.82/hourly: $62,181-$91,496/annually.  There will be a six-month probationary period.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

TO BE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION AT EITHER LEVEL, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BELOW AND ATTACH UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND A RESUME TO THEIR APPLICATION.  APPLICANTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED IF TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION.

Forensic Scientist 2

  1. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.  College degree must be awarded by time of hire.
  2. Two years full-time professional level experience as a Seized Drug Analyst in a forensic laboratory.
  3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in Seized Drug analysis.
  4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  5.  Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME.  YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT.  PLEASE UPLOAD IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.

Forensic Scientist 1-Trainee

  1. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.  College degree must be awarded by time of hire.
  2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  3. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME.  YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT.  PLEASE UPLOAD IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.

Preferred Qualifications

Forensic Scientist 2

  1. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
  2. Two years full-time professional level experience as a Seized Drugs Analyst in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory.
  3. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
  4. Discipline specific certification such as the American Board of Criminalists (ABC) certification.
  5. Experience with instrumentation including but not limited to Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, Raman Spectrometer.
  6. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

 

Forensic Scientist 1-Trainee

  1. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
  2. Demonstrated knowledge and use of laboratory quality assurance procedures and evidence handling.
  3. Experience in a forensic laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience performing examinations similar to those conducted in a forensic or analytical laboratory.
  4. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50-pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods. 

Additional Requirements

For all classifications: 

A Criminal History Background check and reference checks will be completed on the prospective employee. Additional components to the background check for this position will include the following:

1) A criminal history check

2) Reference check

3) Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)

4) Psychological Evaluation

5) Driver License history

6) Education verification

7) Drug screen

 

The BCA will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Madison Markgraf at [email protected]. 

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Madison Markgraf at [email protected].

About Public Safety Dept 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

 

Company Description
When you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.

Company Description

When you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.
About State Of Minnesota Department of Public Safety
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