Working Title: Digital Forensic Examiner Trainee
Job Class: Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 91592
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Trainee
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 1/23/2026
Closing Date : 2/5/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
Division/Unit : Criminal App Investigations / BCA T.S./F.C. #3
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $25.39 - $37.36 / hourly; $53,014 - $78,007 / annually
Classified Status : Non-Status
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota and making a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
This announcement may be used multiple positions at the Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1 level at our St. Paul office location.
The individual in this position is required to successfully complete training in the discipline, including required court testimony training, and become proficient in all job duties. The individual in this position has the ability to conduct examinations of digital evidence after completing all required specialized training and competency tests in the discipline.
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 Digital Multimedia Laboratory of the MN BCA Forensic Science Services and persons 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
TO BE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BELOW AND ATTACH UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND A RESUME TO THEIR APPLICATION. APPLICANTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED IF TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION.
A bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer/Digital Forensics from an accredited college or university or equivalent which includes required digital forensic coursework.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in order to prepare reports of examination results and conclusions and provide court-room testimony.
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
NOTE: YOU CAN ATTACH A RESUME AND A SECOND ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS USING THE COVER LETTER ATTACHMENT TYPE OR COMBINE THE DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE ATTACHMENT. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPTS IN EITHER A PDF OR DOCX FORMAT.
Preferred Qualifications
In-depth experience with Windows operating systems, Mac, and Linux.
In-depth understanding with computer networking concept and terminology including TCP/IP networking.
A+ Certification or related Microsoft certification.
Experience with computer forensic software such as Encase, Access data's Forensic Tool Kit, CelleBrite.
Relevant digital forensic certification such as (but not limited to) EnCe, ACE, CFCE, CFE, CCO, CCPA, and etc.
Knowledge of the ANAB Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Program.
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
A criminal history background check and reference check will be completed on the prospective employee. Additional components to the background check for this position will include the following:
Criminal history
Reference check
Fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS)
Psychological evaluation
Driver's license check
Education verification
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. 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.
