Forensic Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level. The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant's qualifications and responses to interview questions. 

This full-time permanent position will provide to the Criminal Justice System the results and interpretation of breath testing evidence. This position participates in the validation of new technology for use in evidential breath testing. This position provides breath alcohol training. This position repairs and maintains breath alcohol testing devices. Individual must complete any training required and become proficient in all job duties. This position is 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 $28.26 /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.