Evidence Technician (Forensic Science Division)

Mission:

Every day, Montana Department of Justice employees are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of the people of our great state. The Department of Justice does the right thing for the right reason. If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that builds a culture of character and excellence, demonstrates collaboration and selfless public service, and upholds the law while pursuing public safety, the Department of Justice may have a career for you!

Division Overview:

The Forensic Science Division’s (FSD) mission is to provide accurate, objective, and timely forensic analysis in support of the Montana criminal justice community. The Crime Lab is an internationally accredited lab and home to the State Medical Examiner’s office, where over 625 autopsies a year are performed in Missoula and Billings to determine cause and manner of death in unattended or suspicious circumstances.

The Evidence Technician is responsible for evidence management and is the primary person responsible for the security and integrity of evidence when it is received into the crime lab as well as while in their care, custody, or control. Confidentiality and procedural practices are essential to success in this position. This person may contribute to standard operating procedure updates; train law enforcement and/or division personnel in evidence packaging and submission standards; and may be required to testify in court. The person in this position is integral to crime lab operations and may provide support services to specialized Forensic Science Division sections.

*This position may be eligible for a statutory pay increase of $1.00 or 2.5% (whichever is greater) effective July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026.

*The first review of applicants will occur on May 14, 2025. The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma

Two years of job-related work experience to include word processing, proficiency entering data into databases or excel spreadsheets; MS Office™ proficiency

Other combinations of experience and an education equivalence may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Law enforcement and / or evidence handling experience

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include but are not limited to an evaluation of the résumé and cover letter, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

Criminal History Fingerprint Check

Intensive Background Check

Driving History

Pre-employment and Drug Testing

HOW TO APPLY\:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume at the time of application.

Tip\: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.

Your Resume\: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at via File Transfer Service.

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.