Topic: Forensic Scientist (Firearms & Toolmark Analyst), CS-13

[Deion Christophe]

 Forensic Scientist (Firearms & Toolmark Analyst)
 CS-401-13
 Career Service Appointment (Union)
 Salary Range -  $87,657  -   $112,956
 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.
 
 The position is responsible for performing examinations of physical evidence submitted to the Firearms Examination Unit related to firearms and tool mark identification.
 
 Identifies, analyzes, compares, and interprets evidence in criminal investigations. The types of crimes include person crimes, such as homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies, as well as property crimes.  The types of cases that might be encountered in the laboratory could include, but are not limited to the following:
 
 - Ballistics (bullets, cartridges, casings)
 - Identification of types of weaponry/triggers/barrel/mechanics of the weapon, etc.
 - Identification of ammunitions
 - Analysis of tool marks
 - Restoration of serial numbers
 - Test-firing of weapons in the lab
 - Analysis of powder residue/burns/patterns
 - Determining the caliber weapon
 - Determining the trigger pull weight of a weapon
 - Reconstruction of projectile evidence
 - Reconstruction of a shooting scene of crimes
 
 Performs examinations on substrates such as clothing or bedding to determine the presence of residues or powder patterns, muzzle to target distance determinations, restoration of
 obliterated serial numbers, and long range trajectory evaluations.
 
 Responds to crime scenes when necessary to assist with documentation of evidence, projectile trajectory determination, and reconstruction and diagramming of shooting events.
 
 Researches and analyzes data to perform mathematical and statistical computations to complete scientific examinations. 
 
 Works with supervisor and occasionally with the Deputy Director of Quality Assurance and other management personnel to ensure accreditation standards are met; and communicates proactively with management and department officials regarding progress, issues and plans for resolution.
 
 Examines complex firearms related evidence, utilizing a wide variety of methods; identifies, preserves, analyses, interprets, and presents conclusions of firearms, projectiles, spent and unspent cartridges testing and comparison of evidence and known and documented reference data sets. Advises on the collection of evidence in criminal cases, including those involving deaths,
 
 especially when homicide is suspected, and other violent crimes; evaluates risks concerning or identifying hazards in the laboratory.
 
 Works collaboratively with investigators and other members of the justice system to analyze and interpret evidence, and other information to develop information necessary to meet the objectives of the forensic investigation. 
 
 Effectively reports findings and conducts advanced and highly specialized forensic examinations using validated tools and techniques.
 
 Conducts a wide variety of complex analyses; works effectively under pressure; provides technology advisory services to other agencies and department staff to enhance forensic investigations.
 
 Operates, troubleshoots and performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
 
 Addresses new trends in social and criminal activity, and innovations in firearms examination through research to identify new and/or to revise methods for performing analyses or to determine the effectiveness of current analytical methods.  Performs research to identify new technologies and methods that are, or potentially could be, used by criminals in the conduct of nefarious activities.
 
 Follows evidence control procedures to maintain chain-of-evidence integrity and ensures evidence is locked securely in a designate location before and after analysis.  Develops examination plans to effectively and efficiently meet the scope of the questions at hand in the investigation addressing inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.
 
 Exercises discretion and sound judgment to determine proper courses of action and assesses and evaluates a variety of situations, problems, conditions or questions.
 
 Utilizes computer software to analyze results of tests in order to perform tests and keep up-to-date on current studies, pamphlets, journals, and books for use in devising new methods and tests.
 
 Devises charts, graphs, and tables as aids to conduct tests; evaluates laboratory test results in the area of concern; prepares technical reports on findings and project results; and enters data into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
 
 Testifies in court as an expert witness in connection to the evidence analyzed; studies new techniques and procedures in scientific analysis, collection, and processing; participates in a structured training program; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.   
 
 May be required to assists with training and provide technical guidance to lower level staff, crime scenes, law enforcement personnel, etc.; reviews their data and reports using technical, document and/or administrative review protocols; and assists with establishing new standards and with identifying training needs and resource requirements for the organization.
 
 Perform other duties as assigned.
 
 Qualifications
 Mastery of the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, physiology, and mathematics/statistics
 as they relate to forensic science and to analytical laboratory work.
 
 Mastery of and skill in applying Firearms and Toolmark analysis principles, techniques, methods, theories, concepts, practices, and standards; and ability to apply Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to forensic science and data management.
 
 Mastery of and skill sufficient to establish and monitor quality control in the firearms and toolmark unit as well as an in-depth knowledge of the principles, techniques, and instruments to determine quality control measures needed to control samples, to respond to proficiency testing programs and to establish and maintain copious record keeping systems.
 
 Mastery of forensic laboratory accreditation, standards, and guidelines; and of the tools necessary to evaluate the evidence and the ability to assists with developing new standards and with identifying training needs and resource requirements for the organization.
 
 Mastery of new analytical developments, and ability to modify processes to resolve novel, obscure, or highly controversial problems that affect the 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. 
 
 Expert knowledge of evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody laws, rules, policies and procedures to ensure evidence integrity, and expertise of safety practices and procedures as they apply to analyses in the laboratory; and knowledge of the rules of evidence and methods used in presenting evidence in court.
 
 Ability to work well both independently and as part of a professional management team in a multi-cultural workplace and interpersonal skills is required to work effectively with a diverse staff, external agencies, and the public; and the ability to work safely without presenting a threat to self and others is essential.
 
 Expertise in modifying or adapting standard processes and procedures, assesses, selects, and applies remedies suited to the assigned problem or situation; and assesses the environmental impact of various practices.
 
 Excellent oral and written communications skills sufficient to prepare and present pertinent information and research involving complex workforce development policies and initiatives, and to effectively represent the agency at conferences, meetings and consultations with agency managers, employee groups, and special interest groups concerning program objectives and issues and public relations; and ability to research complex forensic examinations.
 
 Demonstrated skill and ability to use a PC and software packages (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power Point, etc.) and software applicable to various reporting systems, particularly laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory control, and NIBIN software.
 
 Ability to testify effectively in court as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
 
 Licensures, Certifications and other requirements
 This position’s duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.  Due to the technician’s presence in forensic casework laboratories, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database for the DFS.

 The nature of the DFS mission necessarily involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.
 
 Employees are assigned to this position after several years of relevant experience in Firearms Examination at the Forensic Science II Class or equivalent.  Employees at this level are distinguished from the Forensic Scientist II by the performance of the full range of duties in the Firearms Examination Unit including innovation through the development and implementation of new techniques and processes to meet anticipated and emerging challenges in Firearms Examination.

 The nature of the work in the Firearms Examination Unit requires the safe handling and processing of firearms within the unit and standard firearms safety processes must be constantly demonstrated and reinforced.
 
 Education and Work Experience
 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in science; or a higher degree and/or industry certification  favorably considered.
 
 Work Environment
 The work is performed in an office and laboratory. The office setting is when preparing documentation, the laboratory  setting is during testing and analysis phase.
 
 The incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials, toxic substances, blood borne pathogens, and electric current and electrostatic discharge and is required to follow safe laboratory practices and wear protective clothing, including facial masks, safety glasses, gloves, etc.
 
 
How to apply click on the DCHR link.  You register to apply.
 
http://dcgov.force.com/external/apex/ts2__JobDetails?jobId=a0K1600000kACnBEAW