Forensic Scientist at the MN BCA Forensic Science Services
Job Summary
TELEWORK UP TO 2 DAYS A WEEK AFTER TRAINING PERIOD.
This announcement will be used to fill seven (7) vacant positions at either the Forensic Scientist 2 or Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 level in the Drug Chemistry Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services.
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 $23.94/hour
• Forensic Scientist 2, salary range $32.71 - $48.51 / hourly; $68,298 - $101,288 / 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 $23.94/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 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:
- Foundation and application of forensic procedures pertinent to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Courtroom testimony
- Quality assurance as it pertains to forensic science
- Chain of custody, evidence handling, examination, and documentation
- 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 $28.50-$41.93/hourly: $59,508-$87,550/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.
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.
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.
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) Criminal history
2) Reference check
3) Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
4) Psychological evaluation
5) Driver’s license check
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.