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Form of workJob Description
This is a permanent, full-time position in which the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is looking for a Forensic Laboratory Technician to assist and provide technical support and administrative analysis to the forensic scientists and external customers of the BCA Forensic Science Services in Bemidji, MN. This would include assisting in the processing of physical evidence utilizing standard laboratory methods and procedures to prepare evidence for analysis, providing ongoing support and quality control to prepare and maintain chemical reagents and apply them per standard methods and procedures, ensuring evidence submitted to the BCA Forensic Science Services is properly received, recorded in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and preparing case materials, relevant documents and reports for discovery pursuant to the MN Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
1. A Bachelor's degree (with a minimum of 2 classes in the physical or life sciences and 1 Biology or Chemistry laboratory course). NOTE: TO MINIMALLY QUALIFY WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS USING THE COVER LETTER ATTACHMENT TYPE OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPTS IN EITHER A PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.
OR
High school diploma or GED and 1 year of professional laboratory experience.
OR
High school diploma or GED and 5 years work experience in evidence intake, evidence processing, and/or data analysis in a law enforcement agency.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.
Preferred Qualifications
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).
5. Experience with handling and firing firearms.
6. Familiar with the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and/or authorized in NIBIN Acquisition/Triage.
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 checks will be completed on the prospective employee. Additional components to the background check for this position will include the following:
1) A criminal history check
2) Reference check
3) Driver License history
4) Fingerprints
5) Psychological evaluation
The BCA will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.
About Public Safety Dept
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:
- 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
- 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
- 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
- 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
- Public pension plan
- Training and professional development
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Paid parental leave
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Wellness programs and resources
- Employer paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Health care spending and savings accounts
- Dependent care spending account
- Tax-deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
