Working Title: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 (Firearms and Toolmarks Unit)
Job Class: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 89879
Location : Bemidji
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the Forensic Scientist 2 classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing Madison.Markgraf@state.mn.us by 11:59 PM 11/05/2025.
Date Posted : 10/30/2025
Closing Date : 11/12/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
Division/Unit : BCA Lab / BCA LAB BEMIDJI 1
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: $25.39 / hourly; $53,014 / annually
Salary Range: Forensic Scientist 2: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: Non-Status; Forensic Scientist 2: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: Nonexempt; Forensic Scientist 2: Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Trainee Forensic Scientist 1: No; Forensic Scientist 2: Yes
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 position may be telework eligible for up to two (2) days per week upon completion of training period and supervisory approval.
This announcement will be used to fill one vacant position at either the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 or Forensic Scientist 2 level in the Firearm and Toolmark Unit of the Impressions and Materials Section of the BCA Forensic Science Services in Bemidji, Minnesota. The classification level of the position is based on the selected applicant's qualifications and responses to the interview questions.
This full-time position will provide evaluation, examination, analysis, and data interpretation for evidence collected from criminal investigations to inform and support the criminal justice system. These activities will be conducted within the Firearm and Toolmark discipline which is part of the Impressions and Materials Section of the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Services. They include the examination of firearms for functionality, length and trigger pull and the comparison of firearms and ammunition components submitted by law enforcement agencies. 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. These positions will also participate in the training, evaluation, continuing education, and quality assurance activities needed for the delivery of accurate and reliable results to agency stakeholders, including expert witness testimony. Following successful completion of the necessary training programs and establishment within the Firearm and Toolmark discipline, these positions may be eligible to participate in the crime scene processing training series for inclusion in the Crime Scene Response Program.
Additional information for the Trainee - Forensic Scientist 1 classification:
The duration of the training program will not exceed one year with a set salary of $25.39/hr. Professional level experience in a laboratory or advanced level degrees may lessen the length of this time period, but satisfactory performance will govern when the trainee is appointed as a Forensic Scientist 1.
Training will be in the Firearm and Toolmark discipline of the MN BCA Forensic Science Services and the person hired as a Forensic Scientist Trainee will typically be trained in topics including but not limited to:
Foundation and application of forensic procedures pertinent to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed
Data analysis and interpretation
Courtroom testimony
Quality assurance as it pertains to forensic science
Chain of custody, evidence handling, examination, and documentation
Criminal court procedures and practices with special reference to rules of evidence.
Trainees will work with experienced scientists within the applicable section and throughout the BCA FSS during the training program.
Upon successful performance at the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 classification (maximum of one year) the employee will be appointed to the position of Forensic Scientist 1 and compensated within the salary range of $30.23-$44.48/hourly: $63,120-$92,874/annually. There will be a six-month probationary period.
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
Forensic Scientist 2
A Bachelor's* or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent
Two years full-time professional level experience as a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner in a forensic laboratory
Experience testifying in a court of law as an expert witness in forensic firearm and toolmark examinations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse clientele
Trainee - Forensic Scientist 1
A Bachelor's* or advanced degree in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse clientele
*NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS THAT ARE NOT CURRENT BCA LAB EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT AN UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) ALONG WITH THEIR RESUME. YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AS A COVER LETTER OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT. PLEASE UPLOAD IN THE COVER LETTER SECTION OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION IN EITHER PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.
Preferred Qualifications
Forensic Scientist 2
A Master's degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent
Two years full-time professional level experience as a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory
Operational knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program
Discipline specific certification such as The Association of Firearms and Tool Marks Examiners (AFTE)
Experience with a variety of section specific techniques, instrumentation, and specialized computer software
Experience with standard computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets)
Trainee - Forensic Scientist 1
A Master's degree or Ph.D. in a physical or life science such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, forensic science or equivalent
Demonstrated knowledge and use of laboratory quality assurance procedures and evidence handling
Experience in a forensic laboratory gained through an internship or work experience; or work experience performing examinations similar to those conducted in a forensic or analytical laboratory
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
Fingerprints (MNJIS/CJIS)
Driver's license check
Drug screen
Cannabis screen
Education verification
Psychological evaluation
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
