Topic: Firearms Examiner Position - Houston Forensic Science Center

[Donna B Eudaley]

The Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) is seeking a Firearms Examiner.  Trained Examiners and NIBIN Technicians with experience will be considered.  The State of Texas requires licensing for forensic practitioners.  Information on the licensing program can be found on the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) website. https://www.txcourts.gov/fsc/licensing/

Visit https://www.houstonforensicscience.org/jobs/ to apply.  HFSC offers a competitive salary and employee benefits package. Interested parties should contact HR for information on compensation. 

Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.


JOB DESCRIPTION:

The primary job duties of the Firearms Examiner are to examine and interpret firearms evidence associated with alleged criminal acts. Specific duties of the Firearms Examiner may include, but not be limited to performing the following duties with little or no direct supervision:

• Examination and test firing of firearms
• Comparisons of fired bullets and cartridge cases
• Entering specimens into NIBIN and reviewing correlations
• Acting as a second/reviewing examiner on cases completed by other examiners
• Conducting administrative and technical reviews of case records
• Restoration of obliterated serial numbers on firearms
• Testifying in courts of law regarding analyses performed

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a chemical, physical, or biological science from an accredited college or university (transcripts required). College coursework should meet the requirements for the Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst license. As a result, completion of college-level Statistics or the ability to complete a Statistics course within the 6 months of hire is also required.
• The successful candidate must be able to gain Forensic Analyst licensure from TFSC within the first six months of employment.
• Certification in Firearms Examination through AFTE strongly preferred.
• Active licensure or direct work experience as a Firearms Examiner may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Experience in a Forensic Firearms environment is required:

• Prior successful completion of a formal training program for firearms examination in an accredited laboratory is required. A minimum of two years of examiner experience (after the training) in an accredited laboratory is strongly preferred.
• Training and experience as a NIBIN technician (or a similar job function) in an accredited laboratory may be considered in lieu of the formal firearms examination training.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of firearms examination practice and procedure
• Knowledge of ISO-17025 accreditation standards
• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated skill in using computers and related software applications
• Demonstrated skills in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing work assignments
• Demonstrated ability to effectively handle conflict and uncertain situations
• Demonstrated ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with fellow employees, internal customers, and external customers.

BENEFITS:

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous paid time off
• Health care insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transportation subsidies