Forensic Science Technician

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

IPERS retirement package

RIC retirement program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation, seeks a Forensic Science Technician specializing in Drug Chemistry in the Criminalistics Laboratory. Responsibilities include preparing reagents, conducting QA checks, maintaining inventory, instrument maintenance, and assisting with cannabis casework under supervision.

Travel across Iowa may be required for crime scene duties or continuing education.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics or related field required
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in one of these scientific disciplines accepted

Responsibilities

• Preparing reagents and stock solutions by predefined procedures for routine tests
• Conducting quality assurance checks of reagents, balances, instrumentation, and safety equipment
• Maintaining inventory of chemicals and laboratory consumables
• Performing routine instrument maintenance
• Opening suspected cannabis cases under direct supervision of case-working analysts
• Serving on the laboratory crime scene response team in collecting, documenting, and photographing potential evidence (optional)

Education

Associate degree with emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics, or related field

Bachelor's or advanced degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

This is not a remote position. The Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position specializing in Drug Chemistry 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.

• 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

The Forensic Science Technician position performs a variety of routine tasks in direct support of forensic laboratory analysts, primarily in the Drug Chemistry section. These tasks include, but are not limited to:

• preparing reagents and stock solutions by predetermined procedures for use in routine tests
• conducting quality assurance checks of reagents, balances, instrumentation, and safety equipment,
• maintaining inventory of chemicals and laboratory consumables
• performing routine instrument maintenance
• opening suspected cannabis cases under the direct supervision of case working analysts.
• serve on the laboratory crime scene response team in collecting, documenting, and photographing potential items of evidence (optional).

Travel across the state of Iowa may be required for crime scene duties or 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 crime scene responsibilities may require hours outside of these times.

Special Requirements

Must possess, at minimum, an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science.

A bachelor's or advanced degree in one of these scientific discipline's will also be accepted.

Additional Requirements

• The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
• 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.
• Applicants must be able to travel and may be occasionally required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, transcripts, and resume with the NEOGOV application.
• 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 - 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

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