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Criminalist

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Criminalist

Salary

$66,414.40 - $102,128.00 Annually

Location

Ankeny - 50023 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01806

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

01/12/2026

Closing Date

2/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Michael Halverson ([email protected])

To Apply

Applicants must attach a resume and unofficial transcript with the NEOGOV application.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Job Description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

This is not a remote position.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill aCriminalist – Validation Specialtyposition within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory.

Organization Background:

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

+ Iowa State Patrol

+ Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

+ Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement

+ Iowa State Fire Marshal

+ Division of Professional Development and Support Services

+ Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center

+ Administrative Services Division

Job Description:

This position collects and preserves evidence and performs scientific analysis of physical materials in the investigation of crimes for the Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Laboratory and performs related work as required. This position will be assigned to the DNA section of the laboratory and performs scientific validations to test new equipment, reagents or technologies to ensure that they perform as intended before they would be used on crime scene evidence or DNA database samples. Develops DNA profiles from samples collected at crime scenes or from court ordered individuals. Utilizes DNA data analysis software to interpret single source and mixture DNA data and apply a statistic to the data. Uploads DNA profiles to and follows the prescribed guidelines of the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Performs technical and administrative reviews of the reports of fellow Criminalists and provides court testimony.

Additionally, this position compares unknown DNA profiles to known DNA profiles and reaches conclusions based upon those comparisons. This position performs screening tests, robotic sampling, direct amplification, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis. This position interprets DNA data, makes interpretations if data is suitable for comparisons, writes DNA reports and testifies to inclusions and exclusions. The position also performs and testifies to statistical calculations performed on DNA evidence.

The candidate shall have a bachelor's (or its equivalent) or an advanced degree in a biology, chemistry, or forensic science related area and shall have successfully completed college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering all the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The candidate shall have a minimum of nine cumulative semester hours that cover the required subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The candidate shall also have successfully completed college coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.

Applicants must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.

Applicants must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver's License.

Applicants are encouraged to upload a cover letter, transcripts, and resume to NEO GOV.

The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.

This is not a remote position.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees’ talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

+ Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis

+ Unlimited sick leave accrual

+ Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

+ Health – Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums

+ Dental – Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program

+ Life* – $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (*depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance – Available at no cost

Retirement:

+ IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50

+ Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility:Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employment/benefits-glance)

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Selectives

950 DNA:

College coursework or class from an accredited college or university covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.Transcript must be attached for verification

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of experience in a crime laboratory performing firearms identification, latent print identification, document examination, trace evidence, forensic toxicology, forensic serology, forensic photography, or crime scene investigation and forensic training, for one year (thirty semester hours) of the required education.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/Criminalist-06018.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

All applicants for this class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

Applicants must be available to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

+ Yes - I understand and agree.

+ No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

+ No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

+ Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science?

+ Yes

+ No

04

How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science AND/OR full-time experience in a crime laboratory performing firearms identification, latent print identification, document examination, trace evidence, forensic toxicology, forensic serology, forensic photography, or crime scene investigation and forensic training? 30 semester hours equals one years of experience.

+ I don't have any of the required education and/or experience

+ Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience

+ Four years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Does your application demonstrate that you have college coursework or classes from an accredited college or university covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology? An unofficial transcript must be attached.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Address

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://dps.iowa.gov/

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