Forensic Science Technician

Posting number: 27-00309

Department: 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Job classification: Forensic Science Technician

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Safety, Sciences

SummaryThis 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.

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
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.

QualificationsApplicants 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 additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Supplemental information
Applicants for this job class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.