Forensic Scientist II - Firearms Section

Duties

The Columbus (Ohio) Department of Public Safety, Division of Police seeks highly qualified applicants for a Forensic Scientist II position in the Firearms section of the Police Crime Laboratory.

Duties will include, but are not limited to

• Examine firearms for operability and collect test fires for use in NIBIN database
• Conduct microscopic comparisons of firearms-related evidence
• Conduct verifications of comparisons completed by other Forensic Scientists
• Write laboratory reports
• Complete technical and administrative reviews of casework completed by others
• Administrative duties including logging laboratory requests and transferring evidence
• Communicate with detectives and prosecutors about case information
• Provide courtroom testimony as an expert witness
• Train other forensic scientists
• Serve as project leader for laboratory projects

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor's degree with significant coursework (twenty-one (21) semester or thirty-two (32) quarter hours) in forensic science, chemistry, biology, computer science, computer forensics, or a closely related field -AND- three (3) years of recent forensic laboratory experience with authorization to perform function evaluation and physical comparison in the firearms discipline.

Substitution(s)

• A master’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, computer science, computer forensics, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
• A doctorate degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, computer science, computer forensics, or a closely related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the assigned forensic specialization(s) and related foundational sciences;
• Considerable knowledge of crime laboratory equipment, instrumentation, hardware, software applications, operating systems, and procedures;
• Considerable knowledge of laboratory safety; general knowledge of applicable accreditation standards in forensics;
• Ability to perform, analyze, and interpret results of laboratory tests with minimal supervision;
• Ability to think analytically and apply critical thinking in the analysis and interpretation of evidence and results;
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and maintain accurate records;
• Proficiency in public speaking;
• Ability to identify and utilize personal protective equipment;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to instruct and lead the work of others; ability to maintain confidentiality.

Specific knowledge, skills, or abilities related to the specialization(s) for which appointment is being made may be required for some positions and will be incorporated in the job postings, as appropriate.

Note to Applicants

• Due to the sensitive nature of this position, candidates receiving consideration after a successful interview will be required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation, fingerprinting, and a polygraph examination conducted by the Columbus Division of Police. This process may take one month or more to complete.
• All offers of employment are conditional until the selected applicant successfully passes a pre-employment drug screening
• As a condition of employment, the hired individual will be required to submit a DNA swab for entry into the Crime Laboratory’s local database
• As a condition of employment, pursuant to federal law and/or the collective bargaining agreements, the hired individual may be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing at unannounced times and dates

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