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 be assigned to the DNA section of the DCI Crime Laboratory and is a technical support role for forensic and database laboratory operations. Responsibilities of the Forensic Science Technician (FST) position include instrument maintenance, accessioning DNA database samples, data entry, as well as screening and sampling items of evidence.
The FST position may operate analytical laboratory instrumentation to perform robotic sampling, DNA extraction, quantitation, normalization, direct amplification, traditional PCR amplification, and capillary electrophoresis in order to process DNA samples up to the point that the DNA data is ready to be interpreted by a Criminalist.
The FST position will not be responsible for the interpretation of DNA data.
The FST position will document their testing results, prepare reports, and testify in court to work performed on cases.
The FST position will triage laboratory submissions and communicate with laboratory stakeholders to determine case status and evidence priorities to obtain the best possible outcome for the stakeholder.
The FST position will convert and electronically store case reports and case files and will maintain an inventory of chemicals, reagents, and laboratory consumables.
The FST position will prepare reagents, record daily cooler temperatures, manage biohazard and regular waste for the DNA section and perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Requirements
- Candidates shall have an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related scientific field to qualify for this position. A bachelor’s or advanced degree in one of these scientific disciplines is also acceptable.
- 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 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
