Forensic Science Technician
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position specializing in Drug Chemistry within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory. The Forensic Science Technician position performs a variety of routine tasks in direct support of forensic laboratory analysts, primarily in the Drug Chemistry section. These tasks include, but are not limited to; preparing reagents and stock solutions by predetermined procedures for use in routine tests, conducting quality assurance checks of reagents, balances, instrumentation, and safety equipment, maintaining inventory of chemicals and laboratory consumables, performing routine instrument maintenance, and opening suspected cannabis cases under the direct supervision of case working analysts. This position may also serve on the laboratory crime scene response team in collecting, documenting, and photographing potential items of evidence (optional). Travel across the state of Iowa may be required for crime scene duties or continuing education, with the potential to be away from the Des Moines area overnight on occasion. General work hours will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., however crime scene responsibilities may require hours outside of these times.
Requirements
- Must possess, at minimum, an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science.
- The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
- 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.
- Applicants must be able to travel and may be occasionally required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
- Applicants for this job class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Nice To Haves
- A bachelor's or advanced degree in one of these scientific discipline's will also be accepted.
Responsibilities
- preparing reagents and stock solutions by predetermined procedures for use in routine tests
- conducting quality assurance checks of reagents, balances, instrumentation, and safety equipment
- maintaining inventory of chemicals and laboratory consumables
- performing routine instrument maintenance
- opening suspected cannabis cases under the direct supervision of case working analysts
- serve on the laboratory crime scene response team in collecting, documenting, and photographing potential items of evidence (optional)
Benefits
- Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
- Unlimited sick leave accrual
- Nine (9) paid holidays per year
- Affordable health plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
- Free dental for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
- $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
- 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
- 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
