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Forensic Scientist 2 or Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 (Toxicology Section)

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
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These full-time permanent positions will provide to the Criminal Justice System the results and interpretation of breath testing evidence. These positions participate in the validation of new technology for use in evidential breath testing. These positions provide breath alcohol training. These positions repair and maintain breath alcohol testing devices. Individual must complete any training required and become proficient in all job duties. These positions are in the Calibration Laboratory of the BCA Lab in St. Paul, MN.

Additional information about the Forensic Scientist 2 classification:

The person in this position must routinely work with a diverse group of clients within the criminal justice community and within the public sector.  The scientist must have the ability to communicate highly technical information to all clients.  Clients within the criminal justice community include law enforcement personnel, attorneys, medical examiners, BCA investigators and criminal justice information system staff.  The scientist must have the ability to work cooperatively with personnel in other State of Minnesota agencies.  

The scientist must be able to assist in the coordination of section activities that require working on commonly shared laboratory equipment.  The scientist must have the ability to communicate regularly with law enforcement agencies to coordinate instrument exchanges. This individual must have the necessary training and leadership skills to work with new staff as a mentor and trainer. 

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 $25.39 /hr. Professional level experience in a laboratory or advanced level degrees may lessen the length of this time period, but satisfactory performance will govern when the trainee is appointed as a Forensic Scientist 1.

Training will be in the Toxicology Calibration 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. There will be a six-month probationary period. 

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1
1. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree* in a physical or life science such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences,
Physics, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology, Forensic Science or equivalent
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Forensic Scientist 2
1. A Bachelor's degree* or higher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent from an
accredited university.
2. At least two years’ experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Forensic Calibration Laboratory repairing and
certifying evidentiary breath test instrumentation.
3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in the discipline of Evidentiary Breath Testing.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

*NOTE: APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT CURRENTLY WORK AT A BCA LAB MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME.  YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AS A COVER LETTER OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT.  PLEASE UPLOAD IN THE COVER LETTER SECTION OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT. TRANSCRIPTS NOT ACCEPTED BY EMAIL.

Preferred Qualifications

Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1
1. Master's degree in Chemistry, biochemistry, biology or equivalent.
2. Experience in a forensic laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience doing examination
similar to those conducted in a forensic lab.
3. Experience teaching and instructing large groups.
4. Experience working with databases.
5. Experience working/repairing circuitry, electronics.

Forensic Scientist 2
1. Masters or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Technology or equivalent
from an accredited university.
2. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
3. Experience testifying regarding uncertainty of measurement as it relates to breath alcohol.
4. Experience teaching and instructing large groups.
5. Experience working/repairing circuitry, electronics.

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

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

  1. Criminal history
  2. Reference check
  3. Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
  4. Psychological evaluation
  5. Driver's license check
  6. Education verification
  7. Drug screen
  8. Cannabis screen
  9. SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. 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 madison.markgraf@state.mn.us 

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 madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.

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 2,400 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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at marna.johnson@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875.