Forensic Science Technician

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Job summary

Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking a Forensic Science Technician for the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory. This role focuses on certifying and repairing evidential breath testing instruments and supporting Criminalists in a statewide laboratory setting.

The position involves preparing certification reports, calibration solutions, and documenting activities in records and databases, with occasional courtroom travel and potential crime-scene team involvement

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a lab science or closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline accepted.

Responsibilities

• Certify and repair evidential breath testing instrument.
• Prepare certification reports and calibration solutions.
• Assist with training law enforcement officers.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Evidence handling

Courtroom testimony

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree in lab tech

Bachelor's degree accepted

Tools

Breath testing instrument

Calibration solutions

Job description

This is not a remote position.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory.

Job Description

This is not a remote position.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position 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 will primarily serve to certify and repair the evidential breath testing instrument used throughout Iowa and to support the work of Criminalists working in this section. This will include preparing certification reports, preparing testing solutions for instrument calibration, assisting with training law enforcement officers, and documenting activities through paperwork and database entries. Other duties will include contacting law enforcement agencies as needed, performing monthly checks for safety and analytical testing equipment, and maintaining inventory of parts, chemicals and supplies.

Additionally, this position may occasionally assist the toxicology section in sample management and opening of blood and urine cases for testing by Criminalists in that section. After initial training, this position may also be eligible to serve on the laboratory's crime scene response team.

Communication skills, teamwork and flexibility are essential for success in this role.

Travel across the state of Iowa will be required for transporting evidential breath testing instruments to law enforcement agencies throughout Iowa. Travel may also be required for courtroom testimony and continuing education, with the potential to be away from the Des Moines area overnight on occasion. General work hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., however courtroom testimony responsibilities may require hours outside of these times.

This is a grant funded position.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must possess, at minimum, an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics or closely related physical or natural laboratory science. A bachelor's or advanced degree in one of these scientific disciplines will also be accepted. Upcoming Fall 2026 semester graduates are eligible to apply.
• Candidates 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.
• Candidates must be able to travel and may be occasionally required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
• Candidates must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License.
• Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter, transcripts, and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• 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 we 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

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 .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must possess an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related field to qualify for positions in this job classification.

Additional Qualification Requirements

• A minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of full-time experience, or an equivalent combination of both in the following areas:
  • 072 photography
  • 108 DNA analysis
  • 005 crime scene
• A minimum of six months of full-time experience in the following areas:
  • 049 latent fingerprint development
  • 102 firearms

Applicants who wish to be considered for these select positions must describe on the application how each additional qualification requirement is met.

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

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas