Forensic Ballistics Technician

Duties

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Perform safety inspections, forensically function test and test fire all firearm types
• Identify the caliber of bullets
• Identify types of firearms
• Maintain chain of custody
• Perform bullet type/caliber testing and documentation
• Take photographs of guns and ammunition
• Analyze evidence submitted as related to ballistics
• Determine full-auto, various conversions
• Maintain and manage a large volume of test-fired exemplars as potential evidence
• Maintain instruments and equipment, such as, trigger pull gauges, calipers, water bullet recovery tank, etc.
• Maintain and handle ammunition supplies used for test firing
• Maintain exemplars obtained from evidence firearms
• Write reports
• May perform case preparation for Toolmark examination/comparison and documentation
• May perform Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) data entry
• May testify in court
• Other related functions as assigned

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application and have sufficient training, education, and/or experience that demonstrates the ability to do the following:

• Learn the basics of firearms operations, firing mechanisms, safeties, conversions, external components (magazines, clips, etc.)
• Possess sufficient expertise to comfortably operate most firearm types
• Put safety at forefront including firearm, hearing, and lead exposure safety measures
• Understand various ammunition types
• Learn new aspects of firearms by using mechanical abilities
• Use a personal computer and related software (e.g. Excel, Word, Access, Acrobat, IBIS) for maintaining exemplars obtained from evidence firearms, writing reports, and possibly making entries into IBIS
• Learn the different bullet and gun manufacturers
• Fire large caliber weapons or long guns
• Work with minimal supervision after training

Training, experience and/or education in the following areas is highly desirable:

• Armorer schooling, law enforcement, military, firearms operation, firearms mechanisms, safeties, conversions, and external components (e.g. magazines, clips)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and retain a valid California Class C driver's license as a condition of employment (Out-of-state applicants must be willing and able to obtain a CA driver's license if offered the position).
• Must be able to wear appropriate personnel protective gear to limit lead exposure and prevent hearing loss.
• Must be able to fire large caliber weapons and long guns and be able to lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, WHICH INCLUDES A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION AND A PSYCHOLOGICAL SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT. A MEDICAL EXAMINATION WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED.

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