Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
The Firearm and Toolmark Examiner performs a variety of comparative analyses on projectiles, cartridge cases, firearms, and other related physical evidence to determine if they share a common source. Prepares reports and supporting documentation regarding results and interpretations of examinations conducted.
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.
Requirements
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!
Job Tags
For contractors, Work at office,