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Working Title: Forensic Scientist 1 or Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 (Biology Section)

Job Class: Forensic Scientist 1 or Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1

Agency: Public Safety Dept

+ **Job ID** : 85940

+ **Location** : Bemidji

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** :Forensic Scientist 1: Unlimited, Trainee: Temporary

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the Forensic Scientist 1 classification) should apply through Self-Service and confirm their bid by emailing [email protected] by 11:59PM 05/07/2025.

+ **Date Posted** : 05/01/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 05/14/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE

+ **Division/Unit** : BCA Lab / BCA LAB BIOLOGY 3

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : Yes - Up to 25% of the time

+ **Salary Range:** Forensic Scientist 1: $29.78 - $43.82 / hourly; $62,180 - $91,496 / annually, Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1: $25.02 / hourly; $52,241 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Forensic Scientist 1: Classified, Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1: Non-Status

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

+ **FLSA Status** : Forensic Scientist 1: Exempt - Professional, Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1: Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Forensic Scientist 1: Yes, Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 1 level in the

Biology Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in Bemidji MN.

This posting will result in hiring into one of 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 $25.02 hourly

• Forensic Scientist 1, salary range $29. 79-$43.82/hourly: $62, 181-$91.496/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 Biology 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 body fluids and

various DNA analysis methods. 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. This position 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 biology

discipline, this position 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 $25.02/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 biology 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 $29. 79-$43.82/hourly: $62, 181-$91.496/annually. There

will be a six-month probationary period.

Minimum Qualifications

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. Unofficial college transcripts must be submitted with a resume in application*. Current students who are within six (6) months of graduating with a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.

2. Successful completion of coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and statistics (Forensic DNA Requirement)

3. One year of full-time professional level experience performing scientific laboratory analyses.

NOTE: A master’s degree or Ph.D. in the above-mentioned subjects may be substituted for 6 months of professional level experience.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills

5. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.

Forensic Scientist- Trainee:

1. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent. Unofficial college transcripts must be submitted with a resume in application*. Current students who are within six (6) months of graduating with a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.

2. Successful completion of coursework in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics (Forensic DNA Requirement)

3. Excellent oral and written communication skills

4. Ability to work with a diverse clientele

*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.

Preferred Qualifications

Forensic Scientist 1:

1. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, biological sciences, pharmacology, criminalistics, forensic science, toxicology or medical technology (unless used to fulfill minimum qualification)

2. Full-time professional level experience performing scientific laboratory analyses in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory

3. Two years or more of full-time professional level experience performing scientific laboratory analyses.

4. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program

5. American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification

6. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets)

Forensic Scientist - Trainee:

1. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, biological sciences, pharmacology, criminalistics, forensic science, toxicology or medical technology

2. Demonstrated knowledge and use of laboratory quality assurance and evidence handling procedures

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)

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 a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

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

4) Psychological evaluation

5) Driver License history

6) Educational verification

7) Drug Screen

The BCA will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.