Job Description
- *Working Title: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 (Latent Print Unit)**
- *Job Class: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2**
- *Agency: Public Safety Dept**
+ **Job ID** : 92653
+ **Location** : Bemidji
+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes
+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time
+ **Regular/Temporary** : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: Limited; Forensic Scientist 2: Unlimited
+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the Forensic Scientist 2 classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing [email protected] by 11:59 PM 03/12/2026.
+ **Date Posted** : 03/06/2026
+ **Closing Date** : 03/19/2026
+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
+ **Division/Unit** : BCA Lab / BCA LAB BEMIDJI 1
+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift
+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday
+ **Travel Required** : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
+ **Salary Range:** Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: $28.26 / hourly; $59,007 / annually
+ **Salary Range:** Forensic Scientist 2: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
+ **Classified Status** : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: Non-Status; Forensic Scientist 2: Classified
+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
+ **FLSA Status** : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: Nonexempt; Forensic Scientist 2: Exempt - Professional
- + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: No; Forensic Scientist 2: Yes
- *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 position may be telework eligible for up to two (2) days per week upon completion of training period and supervisory approval.
This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level in the Latent Print Unit of the Impressions and Materials Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in Bemidji, Minnesota. The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant's qualifications and responses to the interview questions. 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.
- 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 Latent Print discipline which is part of the Impressions and Materials Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services in Bemidji. They include the use of a variety of techniques to visualize, evaluate and compare latent prints on 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. 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 Latent Print 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 trainee appointment is typically limited to twelve (12) months; any extension, if approved, will not exceed a total training period of eighteen (18) months. Pay for trainees is a set salary of $28.26/hr. Prior professional level experience in a laboratory or advanced level degrees may shorten this period. Satisfactory performance and successful completion of the training program and competency test will determine if the trainee is appointed to the Forensic Scientist 1 classification. Participation in the trainee program does not guarantee permanent employment
Training will be in the Latent Print 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) Foundational principles and practical application of forensic procedures specific to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed
2) Methods of data analysis and interpretation
3) Effective courtroom testimony techniques
4) Quality assurance standards and practices in forensic science
5) Proper procedures for evidence handling, including chain of custody, examination, documentation, and reporting related to testing activities
6) Criminal court procedures and practices, with an emphasis on the rules of evidence and/or discipline specific regulations
Trainees will work with experienced scientists within the applicable section and throughout the BCA FSS during the training program.
Upon determination by the supervisor that the trainee has successfully completed their forensic discipline training program or completed enough modules to demonstrate they are working independently with higher levels of responsibility, trainees will be moved to probationary status in the classification of Forensic Scientist 1 and compensated within the salary range of $30.23-$44.48/hourly: $63,120-$92,874/annually. There will be a six-month probationary period required for certification.
- 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.
- *Minimum Qualifications**
- *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 Latent Print Examiner in a forensic laboratory
3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic Latent Print analysis
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
- 5. Ability to work with a diverse clientele
- *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 with a diverse clientele
- NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS THAT ARE NOT CURRENT BCA LAB EMPLOYEES 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.
- Current students who are within six (6) months of graduating with the required bachelor's degree can apply to official Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 job postings and offers would be contingent upon successful completion of degree.
- *Preferred Qualifications**
- *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 Latent Print 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 International Association of Identification (IAI) 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)
- *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)
- *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**
- *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) A criminal history check
2) Reference check
3) Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
4) Psychological Evaluation
5) Driver License history
6) Education verification
7) Drug screen to include cannabis
8) 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.
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.
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