Topic: Firearm/Tool Mark Examiner - Nebraska State Patrol

[Kent Weber]

POSITION:  Forensic Scientist – Firearms and Tool Marks
SALARY:   $3,184.13 monthly (salary commensurate with education and experience)
DUTY STATION:  Lincoln, NE
SHIFT:  8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday - Friday

DUTIES:  Microscopic comparisons of evidence bullets and/or casings to test fires from suspect firearms; examine rifling impression dimensions on fired bullets and compare those against the FBI General Rifling Characteristics File, determine caliber and type of bullet; examine firearms for function and trigger pull; restore obliterated serial numbers on firearms by physical examination, chemical processing, and magnetic particle inspection methods; examine and chemically process the area surrounding a bullet hole in evidence clothing to develop patterns of gunshot residues; test all firearms submitted to the Crime Lab for a variety of reasons to include:  bullet and/or casing comparisons, firearm function, gunshot residue patterns, casing ejection patterns and bullet and/or casing entry into the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) for correlation in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

Perform microscopic comparisons of evidence tool marks with suspect tools and test tool marks produced with suspect tools; examine evidence tool marks; make microscopic comparisons of suspect tools for trace evidence; perform fracture match examinations on broken parts of tools recovered from crime scenes with suspect tools.

Perform examinations and comparisons of two dimensional residue footwear  and tire impressions, three dimensional casts of footwear and tire impressions and photographs depicting footwear and tire impressions from crime scenes with suspect footwear and tire test impressions; perform physical and chemical enhancement techniques on evidence footwear and tire impressions.

Prepare and submit detailed report of results of examinations performed; testify in court as an expert witness; attend career-specific training and read professional journals to stay current with standards in the discipline; attend agency-specific training; provide training to law enforcement officers and groups when directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic sciences, chemistry, or a related area.  Preferred qualifications:  Completion of an internship or research project in a firearms related subject.  Completion of a training program compatible with AFTE training guidelines.  Experience in the following:  using a comparison microscope, instructing or speaking to groups, computer and digital photography, writing technical or scientific reports.

A selected individual not meeting the preferred qualifications will be required to complete a two-year training program, which will require travel out of state for extended time periods.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Interview process.  Applicants must undergo an intense background check.  Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, history of criminal activity, or maintaining associations with known criminals may result in applicants being eliminated from consideration for appointment.

CLOSING DATE:  1700 hours, June 20, 2008

Applicants must fill out an application and a supplemental questionnaire via the Nebraska State Personnel website, http://www.wrk4neb.org/.  Resumes/CVs can be submitted electronically during the application process.  Applications and questionnaires will be available on the above-listed website from June 7 – June 20, 2008.

Questions may be directed to Pam Zilly, Laboratory Director, at (402) 471-8950 or Pam.Zilly@nebraska.gov.