Entry Level Forensic Science Technician Jobs in Minnesota

Job Summary

The work location for this position will be reassigned to the new BCA Mankato Regional Office when it opens in spring 2027. Prior to the new facility opening, the work location will be at BCA headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota to complete necessary onboarding and training.

This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Management Analyst 1 / Forensic Laboratory Technician 1 or the Management Analyst 2 / Forensic Laboratory Technician 2 level, dependent upon qualifications, in the Evidence Intake Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services (FSS). 

This is a full-time permanent position that will provide technical support and administrative analysis to the forensic scientists and external customers of the BCA Forensic Science Services. This position may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program. 

As a Forensic Laboratory Technician, this individual’s duties will include:

- Ensuring evidence submitted to the BCA FSS is properly received and recorded in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and returned to the submitting agency once analysis has been completed.
- Assist and provide technical support and administrative analysis to the forensic scientist and external customers of the BCA FSS.
- Prepare case material, relevant documents and reports for discovery pursuant to MN Rules of Criminal Procedure.
- Assist the Data Practices Group in responding to data requests regarding laboratory records.
- Train technicians in the various Evidence Intake responsibilities.

Additional information about the BCA Mankato Regional Office:

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is expanding its presence in southern Minnesota and are excited to announce the development of a 56,000 square foot regional office and forensic laboratory in Mankato, MN. Construction began in November 2025, with the facility expected to be fully operational by May 2027. This modern facility will bring together a team of agents, forensic scientists, support staff, and a crime scene response team. 

The BCA forensic science laboratory will provide a range of forensic services, including:

• Evidence intake
• Drug chemistry
• Digital evidence examination
• DNA analysis
• Crime scene response
• Other forensic technologies such as: National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearm analysis and Rapid DNA

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

Management Analyst 1

1. 1 year of professional laboratory experience

OR

5 years of work experience in evidence intake, evidence processing, and/or data analysis in a law enforcement agency

OR

Bachelor’s degree* (with a minimum of 2 classes in the physical sciences and 1 Biology or Chemistry laboratory course + unofficial college transcripts must be attached to application with resume)

AND

2. Excellent oral and written communication skills

3. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

*NOTE: TO MINIMALLY QUALIFY WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. PLEASE COMBINE YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPTS INTO A SINGLE ATTACHMENT AND UPLOAD TO THE RESUME SECTION OF THE APPLICATION.

Management Analyst 2

1. 2 years of professional laboratory experience

OR

7 years of work experience in evidence intake, evidence processing, and/or data analysis in a law enforcement agency

OR

Bachelor’s degree* (with a minimum of 2 classes in the physical sciences and 1 Biology or Chemistry laboratory course + unofficial college transcripts must be attached to application with resume)

AND

2. Excellent oral and written communication skills

3. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

*NOTE: TO MINIMALLY QUALIFY WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. PLEASE COMBINE YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPTS INTO A SINGLE ATTACHMENT AND UPLOAD TO THE RESUME SECTION OF THE APPLICATION.

Preferred Qualifications

Management Analyst 1 and Management Analyst 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. Demonstrated knowledge and use of laboratory quality assurance and evidence handling procedures

3. Experience in a forensic science laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience in a law enforcement agency

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

A criminal history background check and reference check will be completed on the prospective employee. Additional components to the background check for this position will include the following:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Psychological evaluation
• Driver’s license check
• Education verification
• Drug / Cannabis testing
• 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.

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.