Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiner

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Performs firearm and toolmark examinations, using scientifically sound and applicable procedures.
• Identifies and evaluates a variety of firearms and ammunition components.
• Performs mechanical evaluations of firearms to determine if they are functional and safe to fire. If minor repairs are needed to make firearm operational, repairs should be done when possible.
• Test fires firearms utilizing appropriate recovery equipment.
• Triages ammunition components and selects representative exemplars for NIBIN entry.
• Enters fired cartridge cases and/or shotshells into the NIBIN database, along with required data fields assigned.
• Reviews NIBIN correlation results for possible leads.
• Performs administrative duties related to NIBIN Leads, including supplementing reports in the Reports Management System (RMS).
• Serves as a subject area expert in the examination and comparison of firearm and toolmark evidence and maintaining a broad-based knowledge of forensic science.
• Testifies in court, as needed.
• Oversees the NIBIN Analysts training, proficiency, and work processes.
• Assists the Manager with forensic accreditation within the Firearm & Toolmark Examiner discipline.
• Performs other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of fundamental examinations conducted by Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiners and principles of Forensic Science and practices.
• Knowledge of natural sciences and forensic sciences in forensic examination.
• Knowledge of assorted firearms, firearm safety, and their function, along with assorted ammunition brands and their components.
• Knowledgeable with occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and negotiate with technical staff, consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, city management, and citizens.
• Skilled in using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) entry and correlation review platforms.

Work Conditions and Hazards:

• Work performed in a small laboratory setting.
• Test fire various types of firearms.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this classification and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological sciences, engineering, or forensic science from an accredited university.

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years of professional level experience in conducting forensic firearm and toolmark comparisons which include testifying as an expert witness.

EQUIVALENCIES:

• A master's degree or higher in a specified field plus two (2) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSE:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Must have or obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) within probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No FELONY or Class A MISDEMEANOR convictions.
• No Class B MISDEMEANOR convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No family violence convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any FELONY, Class A, or Class B MISDEMEANOR.

PREFERENCES:

• Certification in the area of Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification through the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is preferred.
• Certification from the IBIS Brasstrax-3D training course provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is preferred.

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