Forensic Science Technician
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Public Safety is hiring a Forensic Science Technician in the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory. The position primarily certifies and repairs evidential breath testing instruments used throughout Iowa and supports Criminalists working in that section. Work includes preparing certification reports and instrument-calibration testing solutions, assisting with law-enforcement training, and documenting activities through paperwork and database entries. The technician also contacts law-enforcement agencies as needed, performs monthly safety and analytical equipment checks, and maintains inventories of parts, chemicals, and supplies. The role may occasionally support the toxicology section by managing samples and opening blood and urine cases for Criminalists. After initial training, the technician may also be eligible to join the laboratory’s crime scene response team. Communication, teamwork, and flexibility are essential. The position requires travel across Iowa to transport breath testing instruments to law-enforcement agencies. Travel may also be needed for courtroom testimony and continuing education, and may occasionally involve overnight stays away from the Des Moines area. General hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; courtroom testimony may require work outside those hours. This is a grant-funded, non-remote position.
Requirements
- Associate degree, at minimum, 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 disciplines is also accepted.
- Upcoming Fall 2026 semester graduates are eligible to apply.
- Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators.
- Be able to travel and occasionally stay away from home overnight during assignments.
- Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License.
- Be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
- Arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
- For select positions, meet applicable additional qualifications in photography, DNA analysis, crime scene work, latent fingerprint development, or firearms, and describe how each requirement is met in the application.
Nice To Haves
- Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter, transcripts, and resume to the NEOGOV application.
Responsibilities
- Certify and repair evidential breath testing instruments used throughout Iowa.
- Prepare certification reports and testing solutions for instrument calibration.
- Support Criminalists working with evidential breath testing instruments.
- Assist with training law-enforcement officers.
- Document activities through paperwork and database entries.
- Contact law-enforcement agencies as needed.
- Perform monthly checks of safety and analytical testing equipment.
- Maintain inventories of parts, chemicals, and supplies.
- Occasionally assist the toxicology section with sample management and opening blood and urine cases for testing.
- After initial training, potentially serve on the laboratory’s crime scene response team.
- Travel across Iowa to transport evidential breath testing instruments to law-enforcement agencies.
- Travel as needed for courtroom testimony and continuing education.
Benefits
- Vacation accrual beginning on the first day, with yearly rollover.
- Unlimited sick leave accrual.
- Nine paid holidays per year.
- Health insurance plans, with the State paying more than 90% of premiums.
- Dental coverage free for single coverage and affordable family coverage, with access to a vision discount program.
- $20,000 in life insurance at no cost, with an option to purchase additional coverage depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Long-term disability insurance available at no cost.
- IPERS retirement package providing a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees; the State matches $1.50 for every $1 contributed by the employee.
- Retirement Investors’ Club voluntary savings program with a State match of up to $75 per month.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Employee Assistance Programs.
- Employee Discount Programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
