Forensic Scientist III, Firearms

Duties:

• A Forensic Scientist III performs complex chemical, biological, physical or comparative analysis of criminal evident in the Forensic Lab of the Police Department. Employees perform laboratory tests or comparative analyses in one of the specialized forensic discipline: Firearms and toolmarking; Controlled Dangerous Substances; Toxicology, Serology, DNA, Trace Evidence or Latent Print Examination. Work of this class may involve leading lower level Forensic Scientists, but does not involve full supervisor duties or responsibilities.
• Incumbents receive general supervision from a technical supervisor. Employees in this class work a rotating shift and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work is performed in a laboratory where there is exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals, biohazards and unknown dangerous substances and sharp laboratory instruments. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Requirements:

On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:

• EDUCATION: Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science including a minimum of 12 semester or credit hours some of which may be undergraduate level in courses of molecular biology (molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology), biochemistry, genetics or related subjects that provide a basic understanding of the foundation of forensic DNA analysis as well as statistics and/or population genetics as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
AND
• EXPERIENCE: Have four years of experience in in comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.
OR
• EQUIVALENCIES: Have amaster’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, criminal justice or a related physical or natural science from an accredited college or university and three years of experience comparative analysis or scientific evaluation of evidence; examining firearms or examining and identifying latent fingerprints including experience in providing testimony in moot or criminal court.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATES:

• Positions in the Drug Analysis Unit require certification by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to analyze Controlled Dangerous Substances. Certification from a National Certifying Board in Latent Print Examination may be required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science, biochemistry, genetics, statistics and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court.
• Knowledge of the application of scientific methods of serology and DNA analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures of firearms classification and identification.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in court.
• Knowledge of fingerprint classification technique.
• Knowledge of the techniques and equipment used in identifying latent fingerprints.
• Knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of latent print evident in court.
• Skill in the application of computer software technology to laboratory specifications and needs and database requirements.
• Skill in making correct determinations regarding technical procedures, use of laboratory equipment and analytical results for the technical review of DNA case findings and reports.
• Ability to implement procedures and protocols to be followed for joint analysis of evidence samples between CODIS (Combined DNA Information System), serology (body fluid screening) and DNA laboratories.
• Ability to write complex technical laboratory reports.
• Ability to testify effectively in a court of law.
• Ability to perform and evaluate complex qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests and research in the area of DNA analysis and identification.
• Ability to write and/or assist in writing grants to further the technological advancement of the laboratory unit.
• Ability to perform and evaluate research projects.
• Ability to assign, review and correct the work of subordinate DNA analyst staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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