Job Description

Criminalist - Toxicology

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Criminalist - Toxicology

Salary

$66,414.40 - $102,128.00 Annually

Location

Ankeny - 50023 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-02678

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

04/08/2026

Closing Date

5/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

James Bleskacek at [email protected]

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

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 Work

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 federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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;

OR

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 thislink to view the job description. ( and\ pay/JobClassDescriptions/Criminalist-06018.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

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.

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-friendlyTotal 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!

01

Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree

• No

  02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

  03

Have you graduated 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?

• Yes

• No

  04

How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related physical or natural laboratory science AND/OR full-time 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? 30 semester hours equals one years of experience.

• I don't have any of the required education and/or experience

• Less than four years of the combined education and/or experience

• Four years or more of the combined education and/or experience

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Address

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

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Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Night shift

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