Job Description

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

• Provide scientific support to the State’s criminal justice system by use of accepted techniques for examining firearm and toolmark related evidence items.
• Ensure proper chain of custody by following established protocols.
• Examine the physical and mechanical characteristics of firearms and determine operability through test firing.
• Examine and classify fired cartridges, bullets, tools, toolmarks, and other evidence items.
• Conduct microscopic identification comparisons of firearm and toolmark evidence.
• Conduct serial number restorations using physical and chemical restoration techniques.
• Determine range (muzzle to object) estimates through examination of gunshot residues, physical damage characteristics, chemical processing, and test firing.
• Fracture match evidence items to determine if they are of common origin.
• Prepare reports stating scientific results or opinions and advise law enforcement, attorneys, and interested parties within the criminal justice system.
• Participate in formal and on-the-job training in all aspects of firearm and toolmark examination and identification.
• Follow all laboratory policies and standard operating procedures.
• Follow guiding principles of professional responsibility in the forensic workplace.
• Participate in the proficiency testing program for the disciplines in which the employee is competency tested.
• Operate and maintain equipment in the Firearm/Toolmark Unit such as stereoscopes, comparison microscopes, balances, micrometers, and calipers.
• Routinely testify as an expert witness in a court of law while maintaining composure under intense cross-examination.
• Assist Crime Laboratory Division in maintaining ANAB ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Maintain security and integrity of Crime Laboratory environment.
• Operate standard office equipment (i.e., personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, adding machine, etc.).
• Perform job-related travel, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Highly desired skills, experience, and knowledge include:
• Documentable training in safe firearm handling such as gun safety classes, hunters’ education, concealed carry classes, law enforcement, or military training.
• Demonstratable safe firearm use such as participation in organized competitive shooting, military or law enforcement firearm qualification, hunting, and live-fire shooting classes.
• Hands-on, practical experience and knowledge in firearm related subjects such as firearm maintenance, gunsmithing, reloading, firearm collecting, ballistic performance, bullet casting, shotgun patterning, and firearm manufacturing methods.
• Use of microscopes and measuring devices such as micrometers and calipers.
• Demonstratable mechanical aptitude such as maintenance, repair, design, or modification of mechanical devices and tool use.
• A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice (with certification in a forensic discipline), chemistry, biology, engineering, or other natural science is preferred.
• Must be able to evaluate and interpret observations, develop sound conclusions, maintain accurate records, and solve technical problems.
• Possesses skills necessary to be a successful Forensic Scientist.
• Ability, demonstrated in previous employment experience or described in personnel records, to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent prioritization, time management, and organization skills.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• A high level of integrity is required, as well as good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• To qualify as a Forensic Scientist II, a minimum of two years of work experience as a forensic scientist or examiner in a forensic laboratory is required.
• Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and standard background and criminal record checks to determine knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform forensic scientist tasks.

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