Trainee Forensic Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The work location for these positions 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 three vacant positions at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 classification in the Drug Chemistry Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services. 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 $28.75/hour

• Forensic Scientist 2, salary range $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,307 annually

This full-time position 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 $28.75/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:

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 $30.76 - $45.26/hourly: $64,227-$94,503/annually.  There will be a six-month probationary period.

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

PLEASE COMBINE YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPTS INTO A SINGLE ATTACHMENT AND UPLOAD TO THE RESUME SECTION OF THE APPLICATION. TO BE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BELOW AND ATTACH UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND A RESUME TO THEIR APPLICATION.

Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1

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.

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: APPLICANTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED IF TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION.

Preferred Qualifications

Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1

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).

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).

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.