Topic: Firearms Technical Leader - D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences- Closes 2/15/18

[Jonathan Pope]

General Job Information   Forensic Scientist Technical Leader (Firearms)
CS-401-14
Career Service Appointment (Nonunion)
Salary Range: $95,791  -  $123,403 Annually
Safety Sensitive

May be required to work weekends and holidays
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health. This position works in the Firearms Examination Unit (FEU) and under the Forensic Science Laboratory Director. The Technical Leader provides expert guidance and advice, and oversees the technical aspects of the FEU analysis programs, with the specific objective of ensuring that those programs maintain best practices, technical relevancy, and compliance with accreditation requirements and statutorily imposed quality assurance standards.
Oversees the technical operations of the FEU laboratory and ensures that the methodologies and procedures used in performing casework are in compliance with established standards and accreditation requirements and remain appropriate and relevant in the context of emerging technologies.  Evaluates and documents approval of all validations and methods used by the laboratory and proposes new or modified analytical procedures used by scientists in the FEU. Reviews and documents the laboratory procedures annually. Inspects and evaluates equipment, objects, information, and work-related conditions to ensure compliance with agency prescribed operating procedures and safety standards, regulations, and guidelines to include manufacturer's specifications on computerized scientific equipment and national laboratory accreditation and quality assurance standards (QAS). Conducts and oversees research; develops, validates, and implements new laboratory analytical procedures deemed feasible by management. May have casework responsibilities, particularly with respect to more complex cases; performs verifications of results and technical and administrative reviews of cases; provides scientific consultations; interprets test results and develops conclusions; prepares reports; and serves as an expert witness on findings of tests/results or FEU technologies. Reviews and approves the training, quality assurance, and proficiency testing programs in the FEU. Reviews academic transcripts and training records for newly qualified scientists and approves their qualifications prior to independent casework analysis and documents such review. Trains or arranges for training for the employees in methods and techniques of team building and works in team to accomplish tasks or projects, and provides or arranges for specific technical training necessary for accomplishing individual and team tasks; Reviews internal and external FEU Audit documents and, if applicable, approves corrective action(s), and documents such review. Maintains oversight of technical issues on current cases. Participates in courses, symposiums, workshops, and conferences on matters related to firearms examination as well as gunshot residue, serial number restoration, muzzle to garment distance determination and trajectory analysis.  Develops and oversees scientific programs for training lab staff and stakeholders when applicable.  Develops and oversees applied research programs to ensure technical relevancy and agency goals are maintained. Assists with the search for and writes grant applications for solicitation and acquisition of funding as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
 
Qualifications
Required: Must be a graduate of biological sciences, forensic science or related discipline appropriate to the position from an accredited college or university and at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade 13 level.
Preferred: Master's degree in biology, chemistry, or forensic science-related area from an accredited college or university.
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position including, but are not limited to, overseeing the technical operations of the FEU laboratory and ensuring that the methodologies and procedures used in performing casework are in compliance with established standards and accreditation requirements and remain appropriate and relevant in the context of emerging technologies; reviewing internal and external FEU Audit documents and, if applicable, approves corrective action(s);
OR
an equivalent combination of professional education, training, and experience.
Expert knowledge of and skill in applying Firearms and Toolmark analysis principles, techniques, methods, theories, concepts, practices, and standards. Mastery of forensic laboratory accreditation, standards, and guidelines; and of the tools necessary to evaluate the evidence. Ability to establish new standards and identify training needs and resource requirements for the agency. Mastery of new analytical developments, and ability to modify processes to resolve novel, obscure, or highly controversial problems that affect the analysis. Ability to initiate, formulate, and plan, as well as execute Firearms and Toolmark analysis. Mastery knowledge of and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to conduct in-depth research of operational/program issues; to review and analyze complex reports; to develop necessary plans; and to prepare clear, in-depth reports of studies and recommendations. Mastery research skills, interpretation, and application of a broad range of qualitative and quantitative data using a variety of diverse methods. Expert knowledge of quality assurance and quality improvement methods and techniques; and knowledge of accreditation standards and quality processing methods that are crucial as well as beneficial to the quality assurance program. Ability to keep up-to-date of current literature and sources of information in the field of forensics for firearm and toolmark analytical methods, including but not limited to all forms of microscopy, chemical analysis of gunshot residue and lead, and the safe handling and function of all major firearms.
 
This position closes on February 15, 2018

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