Temporary Forensic Lab Tech 1 (Drug Chemistry) / Management Analyst 1

Minnesota Department of Public Safety - DPS; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Life insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is seeking a Temporary Forensic Lab Tech 1 in the Drug Chemistry section. The role provides technical support to forensic scientists and external customers, with duties in evidence intake, processing, and case material preparation in a state lab.

The position is temporary for up to 18 months, with day shift hours, occasional travel, and telework eligibility up to one day per week with supervisor approval.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2 physical sciences courses and 1 Chemistry lab or Biology course.
• 1 year of professional laboratory experience OR 5 years in evidence intake/processing/data analysis in a law enforcement setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure evidence received is recorded in LIMS accurately.
• Assist in processing physical evidence using standard lab methods.
• Prepare case materials and reports for discovery under MN Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Problem solving

Independence

Diversity collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree with physical sciences courses

1 year professional laboratory experience

5 years evidence handling in law enforcement

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Laboratory QA procedures

Job description

Working Title: Temporary Forensic Lab Tech 1 (Drug Chemistry)

Job Class: Management Analyst 1

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID: 98206
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes - up to one (1) day per week upon supervisory approval.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/06/2026
• Closing Date: 11/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
• Division/Unit: BCA Lab / BCA Lab Chemistry 1
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 18 months
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 announcement will be used to fill one vacant temporary position at the Management Analyst 1 / Forensic Laboratory Technician 1 level in the Drug Chemistry Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in St. Paul, MN. The anticipated duration of this temporary appointment is 18 months.

This is a temporary position that will provide technical support and administrative analysis to the forensic scientists and external customers of the BCA Forensic Science Services. As a Forensic Laboratory Technician, this individual’s duties will include ensuring evidence submitted to the BCA Forensic Science Services is properly received and recorded in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), assisting in the processing of physical evidence utilizing standard laboratory methods and procedures to prepare evidence for analysis, providing ongoing support and quality control to prepare and maintain chemical reagents and apply them per standard methods and procedures, and preparing case materials, relevant documents and reports for discovery pursuant to the MN Rules of Criminal Procedure. 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.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree* (with a minimum of 2 classes in the physical sciences and 1 Chemistry laboratory or Biology course), or 1 year of professional laboratory experience, or 5 years work experience of evidence intake, evidence processing, and/or data analysis in a law Enforcement agency.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• NOTE: To qualify with a bachelor's degree, applicants must include unofficial college transcripts with their resume. Please combine your transcripts and resume into a single document and upload in the resume section of the application.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of laboratory quality assurance and evidence handling procedures
• Experience in a forensic science laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience in a law enforcement agency
• 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

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

• A criminal history check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Psychological evaluation
• Driver License check
• Education verification if applicable
• Drug/Cannabis testing
• 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. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E‑Verify.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Madison Markgraf at [e-mail]

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 [e-mail]

About Public Safety Dept

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 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love.

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

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.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affordante Action Division at [e-mail] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.