Position DescriptionAs the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose - serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
Under the direction of qualified Forensic Scientist trainers, the Forensic Scientist I (FSI) will train and show progressive competencies and abilities in the documentation and processing of crime scenes; the examination of friction ridge impression evidence; documentation and report writing, and court testimony.
The FSI will complete training in field operations procedures of the Minneapolis Police Department Forensics Division and become proficient in all job duties before providing full performance as a Forensic Scientist with the Minneapolis Police Department.
The MPD Forensics - Field Operations section is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This position includes working variable hours, which include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Work LocationThis location is on-site only
Salary:The anticipated starting salary range for this position is:
$26.59 - $36.72/ hour.
Job Duties and Responsibilities• Successfully complete training in one or more specified areas of forensic science services provided by the Minneapolis Police Department Crime Lab and become proficient in all job duties.
• Demonstrate knowledge of procedures necessary to provide analyses on submitted evidence so competency in the discipline can be achieved.
• Pass all competency tests in the discipline so quality assurance requirements are achieved.
• Demonstrate a working level of skill and ability in laboratory techniques or video processing and the ability to obtain accurate and reproducible results so that accurate, complete results are obtained once training has been completed.
• Examining and processing of evidence so accurate, complete results on cases can be reported to investigators or submitting agencies.
• Recognize potential physical evidence and collect according to established procedures and methods intended to preserve evidence in order to facilitate appropriate subsequent forensic examinations and assure legal requirements are met.
• Document potential evidence through established procedures and methods.
• Safe handling, search, and evaluation of the significance of evidence so the necessary examinations are conducted on evidence.
• Maintenance of records and preparation of reports on the results of analyses so the integrity of all analyses is maintained.
• Proper procedures for receiving, recording, maintaining, and processing of physical evidence so that accurate, complete chain of custody and case information is documented.
• Participate in professional organizations so information sharing and relationships with
colleagues in the discipline are maintained.
• Reviewing case records and prepare for questions that may be posed during court testimony so results are accurately conveyed in court.
• Providing court testimony as a witness in criminal justice proceedings.
• Read and comprehend current scientific literature and research in the discipline so the most current methods can be reviewed, and issues in the profession can be promptly identified and addressed.
Working ConditionsOffice and Field
Required QualificationsMinimum EducationBachelor's Degree in a Physical Science, Criminal Justice or equivalent.
Minimum Experience N/A
Licenses and/or CertificationsValid Driver's License
CertificationsMust be able to attain certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI) as a Crime Scene Investigator after one (1) year of hire and pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Forensics Division Competency Exam within three (3) years of hire.
Required AttachmentsYou must attach a resume and diploma/transcripts to your application.
Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the [
Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (CPE)]
. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:
Selection Process
Eligibility to be considered for the position will be determined by a rating of training and experience, written exam and/or oral examination (100%). It is very important to fully describe your education and work experience as it relates to this opening in your online application. The City of Minneapolis Human Resource office reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Eligible Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire six (6) months after it has been established.
Background Check
The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.
Drug & Alcohol Testing
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities• Must gain certified 'Crime Scene Technician' status in two years and pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Identification exam within three years.
• Good knowledge of scientific inquiry methods and laboratory techniques as they apply to forensic science disciplines.
• Good knowledge of court proceedings as they relate to criminal evidence processing.
• Knowledge of computer operations in scientific inquiry.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good report writing skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with police staff and other forensic scientists.
Benefits SummaryOur employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page .
New 12 weeks of paid parental leaveCity employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
InsuranceHealth insuranceEligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insuranceThe City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
BenefitsPaid time offOur generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .
RetirementCity employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.
- Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
- Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
TransportationEligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:
- Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
- Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
Learning and developmentTo engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perksEmployees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.
Closing Date/Time: 8/8/2024 11:59 PM Central
