State of Iowa

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill an Evidence Technician position within the Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory.

Organization Background

The mission of DPS is to serve the people of Iowa by providing public safety services with leadership, integrity and professionalism through the core values of courtesy, service and protection. The Department is a statewide law enforcement agency and includes the Administrative Services Division, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa State Fire Marshal and the Division of Intelligence. The Department works in conjunction with federal, state and local jurisdictions of the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of persons living in, or traveling through the State of Iowa.

The DCI Criminalistics Laboratory provides professional forensic scientific services and support to the criminal justice community throughout Iowa. The Lab is accredited through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ISO-based Forensic Accreditation Program. The Lab provides forensic science capabilities to the Iowa criminal justice community in the following disciplines: Arson and Explosives, Crime Scene Response/Processing, Breath Alcohol, Drug Identification, DNA (casework and offender profiling), Impression Evidence (latent prints, tire tracks, footwear), Firearms and Tool Marks, Photography and Video Enhancement, Questioned Documents, Toxicology, and Trace Evidence.

Benefits

The Department of Public Safety, as a State of Iowa Executive Branch agency, offers exciting benefits:

• Health/Dental and Life Insurance
• Paid time off - Nine paid holidays plus generous paid vacation and paid sick leave which begin to accrue on your first day of employment
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit program
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Collaborative, creative, positive work environment
• Paid opportunities for professional growth and development - including training, courses and conferences

Job Description

• Performs technical processing work in the receipt, preservation, storage, transfer, transport and disposal of evidence submitted for analysis or held for criminal action; performs related work as required.
• Receives incoming/outgoing evidence and determines information miss, but required for examination, and contacts submitting law enforcement agency; Ensures that evidence is properly packaged for receipt or transfer, checks for health/safety ricks and scans required information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database.
• Inventories evidence and ensures that each item is correctly packaged and identified for laboratory examination; Labels each exhibit, prepares for preservation and selects property storage location and enters case information into database.
• Keeps laboratory personnel apprised of the time frames required for examination of evidence and responds to requests from Law Enforcement agencies/county attorneys regarding status of evidence.
• Maintains the integrity/security of evidence by ensuring that evidence room/storage area doors are locked and monitors access to restricted areas; Tracks evidence as it is moved through the laboratory for examination or during judicial/criminal proceedings.
• Responds to court orders concerning evidence (e.g., storage in laboratory, mailing to another location or providing to experts); Testifies in criminal court proceedings regarding the chain of custody of evidence, job duties and how the laboratory functions.
• Prepares evidence or other material for disposal and conducts periodic evidence destruction following agency procedures when authorized by judges, prosecutors, or authorized officials.
• Processes DCI (Division of Criminal Investigation) mail including first class, registered, certified, express, UPS and FedEx; validates the receipt, shipping and distribution of registered mail; Performs receiving function on incoming shipments from vendors.
• Trains agency staff or other law enforcement official on the proper procedures and aspects of submittal, handling, and disposal of evidence.
• Ensures that evidence is handled correctly and the receipt, handling and disposition is in compliance with Laboratory policies/procedures and state statutes.
• Receives/screens visitors and telephone calls; Answers routine questions and routes others to the appropriate staff person for handling.
• Opens/distributes mail; composes standardized response to routine inquires.
• Organizes and oversees files and records of a confidential, complex and otherwise sensitive nature.

Other Information

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.

The selected candidate must pass a thorough background investigation conducted by Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

An associate of arts degree;

OR

graduation from high school or G.E.D. and experience equal to two years of full-time work in record keeping, data entry, inventory management or bookkeeping;

OR

graduation from high school or G.E.D. and experience equal to 18 months of full-time work in a law enforcement property room as an evidence technician.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass a thorough background investigation conducted by the Department of Public Safety and have a valid Iowa driver's license.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

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