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Forensic Scientist I

Posted on March 28, 2026

Minneapolis, United States of America
27.0 - 37.0 USD (hourly)

Full Time

Position Description

As 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 Forensic Services Division and become proficient in all job duties before providing full performance as a Forensic Scientist with the Minneapolis Police Department.

The MPD Forensic - 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.

Because this is a Hard-to-Fill job classification, the Police department is offering a wage adjustment of up to an additional fifteen percent (15%) over and above the regular salary schedule established for the position. This market adjustment is contingent on the employee’s continued satisfactory performance.

Work Location:

This location is on-site only.

Salary:

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is: $27.26-$37.64/hour.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Successfully complete training in one or more specified areas of forensic science services provided by the Minneapolis Police Department Forensic Services Division 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 CONDITIONS: Office and field

Required Qualifications

MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree in a Physical Science, Criminal Justice or equivalent.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
N/A

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Driver's License

Certifications

Must 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 Attachments

You must attach a resume and diploma/transcripts to your application.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

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 AND 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.

ELIGIBLE LIST STATEMENT
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualifications 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 months after it has been established.

INTERVIEW SELECTION
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

UNION REPRESENTATION:
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: MPEA.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must 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 MPD Forensic Services Division Competency Exam withing three (3) years of hire.
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.

As 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.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Benefits Summary
Our 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.

Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility 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 insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Life insurance
The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.

Paid time off
Our 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.

Paid parental leave
City 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.

Retirement
City 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).

Transportation
Eligible 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 development
To 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 perks
Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, the Emotional Wellbeing Solutions, health club discounts and more.

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