Working Title: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 (Firearm and Toolmark Unit)
Job Class: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2
Agency: Public Safety Dept
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 position is telework eligible upon completion of training up to two (2) days per week.
This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level in the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit of the Impressions and Materials Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This posting will result in hiring into the following job classifications. The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant’s qualifications and responses to the interview questions.
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 firearms and toolmarks discipline which is part of the Impressions and Materials Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services. They include the use of a variety of techniques to visualize, evaluate and compare firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases items of evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies as well as the utilization of applicable databases. 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 firearms and toolmarks 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 $23.94/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 firearms and toolmarks 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 $28.50-$41.93/hourly: $59,508-$87,550/annually. There will be a six-month probationary period.
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. *Unofficial college transcripts must be submitted with application. Current students who are within six (6) months of graduating with a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply. Contingent offers may be made upon successful completion of degree.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.
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. *Unofficial college transcripts must be submitted with application. Current students who are within six (6) months of graduating with a bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply. Contingent offers may be made upon successful completion of degree.
2. Two years full-time professional level experience as a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner in a forensic laboratory.
3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic firearms and toolmarks analysis.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to work with a diverse clientele.
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 Firearm and Toolmark Examiner 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 Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) certification.
5. Experience with a variety of section specific techniques, instrumentation, and specialized computer software.
6. Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).
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.
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 (MNJIS/CJIS)
4) Psychological evaluation
5) Driver’s license check
6) Education verification
7) Drug screen
The BCA will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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
If you have questions about this 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.
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.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at angela.geraghty@state.mn.us or call 651-201-7136.
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