Forensic Science Technician
- Pay
- $47,715 – $70,720 per year
- Location
- Polk County, IA
- Listed
- Yesterday
About the role
This is not a remote position.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Forensic Science Technician position within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory.
Organization Background
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.
- DPS is comprised of the following divisions: Iowa State Patrol
- Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
- Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
- Iowa State Fire Marshal
- Division of Professional Development and Support Services
- Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
- Administrative Services Division
About the role
This position will primarily serve to certify and repair the evidential breath testing instrument used throughout Iowa and to support the work of Criminalists working in this section. This will include preparing certification reports, preparing testing solutions for instrument calibration, assisting with training law enforcement officers, and documenting activities through paperwork and database entries. Other duties will include contacting law enforcement agencies as needed, performing monthly checks for safety and analytical testing equipment, and maintaining inventory of parts, chemicals and supplies.
Additionally, this position may occasionally assist the toxicology section in sample management and opening of blood and urine cases for testing by Criminalists in that section. After initial training, this position may also be eligible to serve on the laboratory's crime scene response team.
Communication skills, teamwork and flexibility are essential for success in this role.
Travel across the state of Iowa will be required for transporting evidential breath testing instruments to law enforcement agencies throughout Iowa. Travel may also be required for courtroom testimony and 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 courtroom testimony responsibilities may require hours outside of these times.
This is a grant funded position.
Additional Requirements
Candidates must possess, at minimum, an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, forensic science, physics or closely related physical or natural laboratory science. A bachelor's or advanced degree in one of these scientific disciplines will also be accepted. Upcoming Fall 2026 semester graduates are eligible to apply.
- 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.
- Candidates must be able to travel and may be occasionally required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.
- Candidates must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s License.
- Candidates are encouraged to attach a cover letter, transcripts, and resume within the NEOGOV application.
- The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
- This is not a remote position.
Benefits
At the State of Iowa, we value our employees’ talents and backgrounds, and we are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
- Unlimited sick leave accrual
- Nine (9) paid holidays per year
Insurance Options
- Health – Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
- Dental – Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
- Life* – $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
- Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs
To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services
Equal opportunity and legal notices
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.
Applicants must possess an associate's degree with an emphasis in laboratory technology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related field to qualify for positions in this job classification.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.For select positions, applicants may be required to meet one or more of the additional qualification requirements listed below.
- A minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of full-time experience, or an equivalent combination of both in the following areas:
- 072 photography
- 108 DNA analysis
- 005 crime scene
- A minimum of six months of full-time experience in the following areas:
- 049 latent fingerprint development
- 102 firearms
Applicants who wish to be considered for these select positions must describe on the application how each additional qualification requirement is met.
Applicants for this job class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas
From State of Iowa's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 9, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Forensic Science Technician role at State of Iowa?
The Forensic Science Technician posting at State of Iowa states compensation of $47,715 – $70,720 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on State of Iowa's official career site.
Where is the Forensic Science Technician job at State of Iowa located?
This Forensic Science Technician position at State of Iowa is located in Polk County, IA. Always check State of Iowa's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Forensic Science Technician position at State of Iowa?
This listing links directly to State of Iowa's application page. You can apply directly on State of Iowa's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.