Digital Forensic Examiner Trainee ​/ Trainee-Forensic Scientist 1

** working title: digital forensic examiner trainee / trainee-forensic scientist 1*
* ** job class: trainee-forensic scientist 1*
* ** agency: public safety dept*
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** job ** : 95907

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** location** : various

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** telework eligible** : no

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** full/part time** : full-time

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** regular/temporary** : trainee

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** who may apply** : open to all qualified job seekers

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** date posted** : 07/30/2026

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** closing date** : 08/19/2026

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** hiring agency/seniority unit** : public safety dept / public safety-mape

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** division/unit** : criminal app investigations / bca fin crim #1

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** work shift/work hours** : day shift

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** days of work** : monday - friday

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** travel required** : yes - up to 25% of the time

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** salary range:**  $28.75 - $28.75 / hourly; $60,030 - $60,030 / annually

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** classified status** : non-status

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** bargaining unit/union** : 214 - mn assoc of professional empl/mape

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** flsa status** : nonexempt

+ designated in connect 700 program for applicants with disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) : no

** the work you'll do is more than just a job.*
* At the state of minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all minnesotans. The state of minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

** the work location for these positions will be reassigned to the new bca mankato regional office when it opens in 2027. The mankato office is currently projected to open in may 2027. Prior to the new facility opening, the work location will be at the bca headquarters in st. Paul, minnesota to complete necessary onboarding and training.*
* This announcement may be used multiple positions at the trainee-forensic scientist 1 classification in the digital and multimedia evidence (dme) section.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn and train alongside experienced professional digital multimedia evidence examiners. Join the talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better minnesota and making a difference in the lives of minnesotans. The bca digital and multimedia evidence (dme) section is responsible for retrieving and preserving digital evidence related to criminal cases. The dme section utilizes forensic methods and tools to extract and parse retrieved data into an easy-to-consume format to assist agencies with examination of their evidence.

Items of digital evidence may include but are not limited to: computers, cellular phones, tablets, cameras, hard drives, flash drives, sd cards, digital discs, digital video recorders, gaming systems, and more.

The individual in this position is required to successfully complete training in the discipline, including required court testimony training, and become proficient in all job duties. The individual in this position must have the ability to conduct examinations of digital evidence after completing all required specialized training and competency tests in the discipline.

** additional information for the trainee - forensic scientist 1 classification:*
* The duration of the training program will not exceed one year with a set salary of $28.75/hour. Professional level experience in a laboratory or advanced level degrees may lessen the length of this time period, but satisfactory performance will govern when the trainee is appointed as a forensic scientist 1.

Training will be in the digital multimedia laboratory of the mn bca forensic science services and persons hired as a forensic scientist trainee will typically be trained in topics including but not limited to:

1. Foundation and application of forensic procedures pertinent to the forensic discipline in which the trainee is employed.

2. Data analysis and interpretation.

3. Courtroom testimony.

4. Quality assurance as it pertains to forensic science.

5. Chain of custody, evidence handling, examination, and documentation.

6. Criminal court procedures and practices with special reference to rules of evidence.

Trainees will work with experienced scientists within the applicable section and throughout the bca fss during the training program.

Upon successful performance at the trainee-forensic scientist 1 classification (maximum of one year) the employee will be appointed to the position of forensic scientist 1 and compensated within the salary range of $30.76 - $45.26/hourly; $64,227 - $94,503/annually. There will be a six-month probationary period.

** additional information about the bca mankato regional office:*
* The bureau of criminal apprehension (bca) is expanding its presence in southern minnesota and are excited to announce the development of a 56,000 square foot regional office and forensic laboratory in mankato, mn. Construction began in november 2025, with the facility expected to be fully operational by early 2027. This modern…