Forensic Scientist 3 (Firearms and Toolmarks Section) - Job ID 89536

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Summary

This position is telework eligible.  The number of telework days per week will depend on the agreed upon schedule but will not exceed two days per week.

This announcement will be used to fill a Forensic Scientist 3 position in the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit of the Impression and Materials Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services, in either our headquarters in St. Paul or in our regional laboratory in Bemidji.

This full-time Forensic Scientist 3 position serves as a Technical Leader that oversees the technical aspects of the Firearms and Toolmarks Unit which is a part of the Impressions ad Materials Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services.  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.  As a Technical Leader, this individual will coordinate and participate in the training/continuing education, validations, quality assurance activities and other responsibilities as developed and prioritized based on operation needs, to ensure the delivery of accurate and reliable results to the agency stakeholders.  This individual will perform advanced/complex level work in the comparative analysis of firearms and toolmarks related to criminal evidence.  This entails evaluation, examination, analysis, and verification of firearms and ammunition component comparisons.  This position also includes expert witness testimony directly related to casework and/or to the foundational reliability of the discipline.  Work of this class leading lower-level Forensic Scientists by assigning, reviewing and coordinating their work, but does not involve supervisory duties or responsibilities.  This person will document performance and provide feedback to Supervisors that contribute to the development of performance enhancement plans and formal performance evaluations.  This position may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for in the Crime Scene Response Program.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor’s degree* in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent. 
2. Two years full-time experience as a Forensic Scientist 2 in the Firearms and Toolmarks Section at the BCA Forensic Science Services or equivalent position and length at another ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic science laboratory.
3. Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic Firearm and Toolmarks analysis.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

*NOTE: Applicants that do not currently work in a BCA Lab must attach unofficial college transcripts with a resume to their application. You can attach a resume and a second attachment type with your transcripts using the cover letter attachment type or combine the documents as a single attachment. Please upload documents in either PDF or docx format.

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent.
2. Demonstrated leadership skills.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to follow laboratory quality assurance procedures, best laboratory practices, validation methods and the use of statistics to analyze data.
4. Experience with a variety of section specific techniques, instrumentation, and specialized computer software.
5. Association of Firearms and Toolmarks Examiners (AFTE) certification.
6. Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
7. 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:

Criminal History

Reference check

Driver’s license history

Fingerprints (MNJIS/CJIS)

Psychological evaluation

Education verification

Drug screen

Cannabis screen

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.

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@state.mn.us 

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 madison.markgraf@state.mn.us.

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. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• 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  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. 

Company DescriptionWhen you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.Company DescriptionWhen you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.