Criminalist - Toxicology

Full Job Description

This is not a remote position. General work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety DCI Crime Lab is seeking to fill a Criminalist position that will specialize as a Toxicology specialist.

Job Description
This position will primarily serve to screen and confirm toxicology samples, typically in blood and urine matrices, for the presence and/or quantity of alcohol and drugs of abuse. Additionally, testifying in court proceedings is required to both convey results of testing as well as testify to the effects of alcohol and drugs in the body and their potential role in impairment.

Other duties may include training of law enforcement, attorneys and other related parties as well as other special projects related to the work performed in Toxicology.

Travel across the state of Iowa may 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.

Additional Requirements
· Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field to qualify for positions in this job classification. General instrumental analysis and laboratory skills are necessary.
· Preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in chemistry, toxicology, or a related field and experience with similar laboratory testing and related scientific instrumentation.
· 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 are encouraged to upload a resume, cover letter, and unofficial college transcripts to the NEOGOV site in addition to the other submission requirements.
· The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
· This is not a remote position.

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

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
Retirement:
• 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

E-Verify and Right to WorkThe 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.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science;an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of experience in a crime laboratory performing firearms identification, latent print identification, document examination, trace evidence, forensic toxicology, forensic serology, forensic photography, or crime scene investigation and forensic training, for one year (thirty semester hours) of the required education.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Information

All applicants for this class must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

Applicants must be available to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.