Duties and Responsibilities
The J.P.S.O. Crime Lab is in need of a Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner. Experience preferred but not required. A Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner compares evidence bullets and cartridge cases side-by-side against those test fired in guns submitted to the laboratory. Examinations are based on firearms identification, which involves the identification of a bullet, cartridge case, or other ammunition component as having been fired by or in a particular firearm. Examiners may also conduct testing in the following areas: determination of caliber and general rifling characteristics of bullets, determination of proper function and the safe operation of firearms, and restoration of obliterated serial numbers.
Salary
$52,000 – $74,000
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have successfully graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (natural science degree preferred)
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Trainees must successfully complete an authorized training program and successfully pass a competency test upon completion
- Trained analysts must pass proficiency tests
- Must be a US citizen and be at least 21 years of age
If inexperienced, applicants must be willing to participate in a year-long training program sponsored by the ATF that will require 19 weeks of onsite training in Ammendale, Maryland, if accepted to the program.
Functions and Skills
May include, but is not limited to:
- Examining and comparing evidence related items in the form of bullets, cartridge cases, and other ammunition components
- Perform caliber and general rifling characteristics determinations on bullets
- Test for firearm function and safe operations
- Restore obliterated serial numbers
- Download ammunition and test fire a variety of firearms
- Enter and correlate cases in the IBIS system
- Collecting and/or transporting evidence
- Preparing court worthy reports and visual aids
- Testifying in various courts of law
- Respond to crime scenes and subsequently assist in the processing of those scenes
- Work under the direct supervision of a senior forensic scientist or supervisor
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing with scientific and non-scientific personnel
- Ability to attend out-of-state training for extended periods of time
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle
- Ability to operate/maintain laboratory equipment
- Ability to properly handle numerous biological and chemical hazards
- Ability to comprehend, perform, and comply with QA/QC requirements
- Ability to perform complex scientific procedures following Crime Laboratory Procedural Manuals
- Ability to adhere to established policies and procedures