Sheriff's Forensic Scientist - Firearms Examiner

Duties

In this position, you will:

• Conduct examinations and testing of firearms, firearm components, ammunition, and ammunition components, including performing comparative examinations.
• Restore obliterated serial numbers.
• Utilize National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) equipment.
• Perform technical reviews of firearm section casework to ensure both procedural and substantive compliance with applicable standards.
• Research, recommend, and validate new techniques, procedures, methods, and equipment used in the firearm section of the laboratory.
• Ensure that evidence integrity and proper chain of custody protocols are followed.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable SOP’s and accreditation standards.
• Assist with training new laboratory employees and law enforcement personnel.
• Maintain communication with other members of the criminal justice community regarding case status.
• Perform quality control procedures.
• Prepare written reports and other documents and prepare evidence for court presentations.
• Represent the laboratory at professional conferences, meetings, training sessions, and public events.
• Testify in court regarding test methods, test results, and laboratory operations.

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

Requirements

Need to have:
One of the following:

• Five or more years of experience as an examiner/scientist in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• A bachelor's degree or higher in forensic science, chemistry, toxicology, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a field appropriate to the area of specialization.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of forensic laboratory policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners membership.
• Passed a competency test in the following: Cartridge case identification, Bullet identification, Serial Number Restoration, and/or NIBIN.
• Passed a proficiency test in comparative examination in the past year.
• Training and experience in auditing forensic laboratories.

Experience:

• Performing firearm examination and NIBIN entry in a forensic science laboratory environment.
• Presenting forensic evidence in court.
• Examining physical evidence using analytical instruments and forensic science techniques in the area of firearm examination.
• Preserving the integrity of evidence and/or maintaining the chain of custody.
• Using specialized laboratory equipment (e.g., comparison microscope, NIBIN), as well as computers and related software to evaluate, compare identify, and document firearm evidence.
• Establishing project scope, experimental design, and analyzing data associated with validations, and writing validation and procedure modification reports.
• Working in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Rendering comparative examination conclusions.

Ability to:

• Apply scientific principles to the examination and testing of physical evidence in the area of firearm examination.
• Organize, assemble, and write detailed technical reports and other documents in an organized and grammatically correct fashion.
• Present expert testimony in criminal court proceedings regarding the forensic examination and analysis of firearm evidence.
• Communicate technical information and opinions to non-technical audiences in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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