Forensic Scientist I

Salary : $67,662.40 - $96,990.40 Annually
Location : Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-UNSP-02183
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/27/2026 11:59 PM Central


About the Position
The Saint Paul Police Department's Forensic Services Unit (FSU) is hiring for a Forensic Scientist I. The FSU is committed to performing unbiased forensic analysis which is accurate, precise, reliable, and timely. The Forensic Services Unit is staffed with a combination of civilian professionals and police specialists. The FSU is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as an ISO/IEC 17020 Forensic Inspection Agency.


Here's what you can expect to do:

• Apply forensic science methods at full performance upon completion of training and demonstrating proficiency in all job duties.
• Train in progressive competencies and abilities in the investigation of crimes, conduct laboratory analyses of evidence, provide consultation, and testify as expert witness in a court of law.
• Apply established department standards and forensic best practices, to examine evidence and issue render results.
• Respond to crime scenes which could be outside normal work hours.
• Assist with projects and completes individual assignments as directed.
• Document evidence and write reports, which are reviewed prior to being issued.
• Communicate effectively to staff, management and in court to accurately describe work performed and the results of laboratory examinations.
• Uphold the ethical and legal standards of the department.
• For more information and essential functions, see our

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of , including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Information Specific to this Position: This position will report to Saint Paul Police Headquarters located at: 367 Grove St., Saint Paul, MN 55101 and will work Monday - Thursday 2nd shift hours (12:00 PM to 10:30 PM).

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Position Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field to include 30 semester credits of science courses. No substitution for education.

Successful completion of the Saint Paul Forensic Laboratory Training Program within nine months of hire date.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
How to Apply

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload or submit the following required document(s) via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)

• A copy of your transcripts - unofficial copies are sufficient (required)
• A resume (required)

First time applying online? Read our


Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.


Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a driver's license check, and an in-depth Saint Police Department background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education.


Human Resources Contact Information:
Ellen Friedman at View phone number on click.appcast.io
Email:


The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.


Veteran's Preference : If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.

Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:

City Paid Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Vacation/Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Life Insurance
• Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
• Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance

For a detailed overview, visit
01


The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification.I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.

• Yes

02


Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03


Which of the following represents your highest level of completed education?

• High School diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04


Please indicate the field of study in which you obtained your Bachelor's Degree.

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Forensic Science
• Other

05


If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please indicate in what field of study you obtained your Bachelor's Degree.I understand that I must possess at least thirty (30) credits of science courses in order to meet the education requirements if my degree is in a related field of study.
06


I have successfully completed the following college level courses. (Check all that apply)

• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Photography
• None of the above

07


Are you willing and able to safely handle, secure, and process firearms encountered in the course of collecting, documenting, and maintaining evidence as required by this position?

• Yes
• No

08


I have used digital cameras on manual mode (making manual adjustments to shutter speed, ISO, and aperture settings; does not refer to point and shoot mode).

• Yes
• No

09


I have a basic level of proficiency using the following Microsoft programs. (Check all that apply)

• Excel
• Word
• Outlook
• None of the above

10


In the following questions - please rank your forensic science specialty preferences by selecting a first, second, third, and fourth choice. Each specialty may only be selected once. Your selections will help us understand your areas of interest and preferred assignments. First Choice:

• Crime Scene
• DNA
• Drug Chemistry
• Firearms
• Latent Prints
• Toxicology
• Trace

11


Second Choice:

• Crime Scene
• DNA
• Drug Chemistry
• Firearms
• Latent Prints
• Toxicology
• Trace

12


Third Choice:

• Crime Scene
• DNA
• Drug Chemistry
• Firearms
• Latent Prints
• Toxicology
• Trace

13


Fourth Choice:

• Crime Scene
• DNA
• Drug Chemistry
• Firearms
• Latent Prints
• Toxicology
• Trace

14


RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)

• City of Saint Paul website
• City of Saint Paul employee
• City of Saint Paul job interest card
• City of Saint Paul walk-in
• City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
• City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
• Friend or family member
• League of Minnesota Cities website
• Governmentjobs.com website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Indeed.com website
• ZipRecruiter
• Pollen website
• MinnesotaWorks.net
• College or University
• Community organization
• Job fair
• Professional association
• Saint Paul Elevate Session
• People of Color Career Fair
• Other

15


RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
16


I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.

• Yes
• No

Required Question