Topic: Criminalist / Firearm & Toomark Examiner - Oxnard Police Department, CA

[Geoff Bruton]

 


 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 Criminalist
FILING DEADLINE                      5:00 P.M., JULY 1, 2013
 
MONTHLY SALARY                    $5,024 - $7,034
 
THE POSITION
 
Under general supervision, identifies and examines bullets, bullet fragments, cartridges and firearms used in crimes. Criminalists are responsible for ensuring the integrity of evidence by using established handling protocols. Depending upon assignment may be required to wear a uniform. Normal working periods are 10-hour days, 4 days a week with rotational “on-call.”
 
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES PERFORMED - Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
·         Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence related to firearm and toolmark analyses, footwear and tire track analyses; obtains information and potential evidence from law enforcement personnel.
·         Conducts field investigations at crime scenes and other pertinent locations; searches for, collects and preserves evidence for laboratory analysis and comparison.
·         Processes physical evidence as an expert in a specialty area of forensic firearms and toolmark examination.
·         Maintains integrity of physical evidence.
·         Conducts function testing of firearms, bullet and cartridge case examinations to establish identification.
·         Performs IBIS/NIBIN entry and correlation analysis.
·         Conducts serial number restoration.
·         Responds to crime scenes to conduct shooting incident reconstruction or assist in other evidence collection.
·         Conducts function testing of firearms, bullet and cartridge case examinations to establish identification.
·         Consults with law enforcement and other legal personnel regarding cases.
·         Provides expertise to other section staff to resolve complex problems; conducts training for individuals and groups.
·         Prepares written reports of findings and testifies in court as an expert witness.
·         Performs other duties as assigned.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE– A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Chemistry, Physics or a closely related science and one year of forensic laboratory experience and firearms and toolmark experience using techniques specifically followed in forensic laboratories.
KNOWLEDGE OF– Basic scientific methods and procedures; laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence; collecting and preserving physical evidence; scientific research methods and procedures in the forensic science field; applicable Federal, state and local laws codes and ordinances; principles and practices of firearm and munitions identification and comparison; proper English, spelling and grammar; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing; basic principles of mathematics; police terminology and procedures.
ABILITY TO– Analyze, compare, and/or identify physical evidence specifically relating to firearm and toolmark evidence, including  interpreting their significance in a court of law; perform serial number restorations; perform IBIS/NIBIN entry and perform correlation reviews; conduct crime scene investigations and collect evidence; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; understand and follow instructions; prepare and maintain accurate records; compile and analyze data, establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel and others involved in the legal system; work various and extended hours;  communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes; construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; research and present new analytical techniques; prepare clear and concise reports; exercise good judgment; learn law enforcement operations, procedures and regulations.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE – Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class “C” California driver’s license. Professional certification through the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) is desirable.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
A completed City of Oxnard application must be filed with the City of Oxnard, Human Resources Department, 300 West Third Street, First Floor, Oxnard, CA  93030, NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., JULY 1, 2013 (no postmarks will be accepted).  The preferred method of application is on-line and you are highly encouraged to apply at www.hr.cityofoxnard.org.  If you are unable to apply electronically, you may either print out or request a paper application by calling (805) 385-7590 during regular business hours. Paper applications may be faxed to (805) 385-8352, mailed, or hand-delivered to the Human Resources Department at 300 West Third Street, First Floor, Oxnard, California 93030.
As part of the testing process and prior to appointment to a position, City of Oxnard Police Department candidates will be required to undergo a polygraph examination and a thorough background investigation. 
   
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY OF OXNARD
 
The City of Oxnard is located on the California “Gold Coast” known for a temperate climate, clear air, uncrowded beaches and close proximity to rural and major urban areas.  Oxnard is 62 miles northwest of Los Angeles and just south of the coastal communities of Ventura and Santa Barbara.  Incorporated in 1903, Oxnard is a full-service City with a Council/Manager form of government.  The City has a population of 197,067, approximately 1,262 employees and an annual budget of $368 million.
 
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability orsexual orientation.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS:  Application forms may be obtained from the Human Resources Department located at 300 West Third Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 or by calling (805) 385-7590.  Prospective employees must submit required application materials by the filing deadline, as specified on the job bulletin.  Materials must be complete to clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications and will be used for screening purposes.
 
All statements made on the application, resume and supplemental materials are subject to verification.  False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligibility list or discharge from employment.
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE: An eligibility list is established through competitive examination which may consist of any combination of written examination, practical test, simulation exercise and/or oral interview.
 
The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for the disabled.  If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the final filing date.  Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION:  Prior to starting work, prospective employees will be required to pass a physical capacity examination administered by a physician of the City’s choosing, including a drug screen, and meet the medical standards of the essential functions of the position for which they are being hired.
 
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  All employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period which is six months to one year in length, depending upon the employee’s job classification.
 
RESIDENCY:  Employees in Police and Management classifications, as well as other position classifications deemed essential to immediate response emergency situations, are restricted to living within 15 miles of the Civic Center. 
 
LOYALTY OATH:  All persons are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and State of California Constitution at the time they are hired.
 
A no-smoking policy has been adopted to promote a smoke-free work place.  A drug-free policy has been adopted to promote a drug-free environment.  Flexible work schedules have been adopted and the City encourages employees to carpool and use alternate modes of transportation to comply with air quality legislation.
 
LEGAL REQUIREMENT:  On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended.
 
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER: Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers.  Public employees as disaster service workers must provide all possible assistance in accordance with the Emergency Services Act.
 
SALARY AND BENEFITS:  Salary is computed on a monthly basis for full-time employees and paid biweekly on alternate Fridays.  Direct deposit of paychecks is encouraged.
 
AN EXCELLENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE IS PROVIDED
 
The City has a flexible medical insurance benefits plan which provides a substantial sum in either cash or payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents in an HMO or indemnity plan.  A $5,000 life insurance policy is provided with the opportunity to purchase additional insurance at group rates.  Other benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, paid holiday hours, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement for job-related course work, educational incentive pay, uniforms, a deferred compensation program, State Disability or long-term disability insurance, and City contribution of up to $34.25 biweekly for payment of dental insurance.  Employees pay no social security. However, there are Medicare contributions.  Permanent employees participate in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  Individuals employed in the Maintenance, Operations and Repair Unit are subject to an agency fee upon completion of the probationary period.  Individuals employed in the Professional, Technical and Support Unit are subject to a representative service fee paid upon commencement of City employment within the unit.
 
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT ADDITIONAL BENEFITS IS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AND CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
 
NOTE:     The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.