Forensic Science Technician

State-of-Iowa; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance (coverage)

Retirement plan (IPERS)

Job summary

State of Iowa, via the Iowa Department of Public Safety, seeks a Forensic Science Technician in the Criminalistics Laboratory to certify and repair evidential breath testing instruments used statewide. You will prepare calibration solutions, generate certification reports, and support Criminalists with paperwork and database entries.

Travel across Iowa is required, including potential overnight absences for courtroom testimony and education.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics, or related field required or completed Fall 2026
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation before offer
• Must be able to travel and may stay overnight on assignments

Responsibilities

• Certify and repair evidential breath testing instruments statewide
• Prepare certification reports and testing solutions for calibration
• Assist with training law enforcement officers and document activities
• Contact law enforcement agencies as needed and maintain inventory of parts and supplies
• May assist toxicology sample management and support crime scene responses

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Associate's degree in laboratory technology or closely related field

Bachelor's degree in a science discipline acceptable

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.

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)

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.

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.

For select positions, applicants may be required to meet one or more of the additional qualification requirements listed below.

• 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