Topic: Forensic Firearms Examiner I - III

[Julie Rapp]

The City of Mesa is a great place to work! In addition to competitive salaries, the City also has a generous amount of other benefits available. For more information, please see our website: http://mesaaz.gov/benefits/

Forensic Firearms Examiner I - III

$49,222.55 - $72,862.40 Annually for Forensic Firearms Examiner I)

($56,978.61 - $84,344.00 Annually for Forensic Firearms Examiner II)

($69,274.78 - $102,523.20 Annually for Forensic Firearms Examiner III)

A Forensic Firearms Examiner I performs forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to Forensic Services related to firearms and tool mark identification. Incumbents in this class receive training in higher skill level duties and perform examinations under close supervision. An employee in this class reads relevant materials and attends training sessions in all aspects of firearms examination and forensic laboratory practices.  Routine work is performed independently, but assignments that are more complex may be performed under direct supervision from more experienced personnel and subject matter experts depending on the level of difficulty. This is a professional entry-level class in the Forensic Firearms Examiner series.

A Forensic Firearms Examiner II performs complex forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to Forensic Services related to firearms and tool mark identification. This class is considered a journey-level position in Forensic Services in the Police Department.

A Forensic Firearms Examiner III performs highly specialized forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to Forensic Services related to firearms and tool mark identification. A Forensic Firearms Examiner III operates, maintains, programs, and interprets data from highly technical and/or computerized instrumentation. Further responsibilities include: preparing and conducting officer training; assisting with the development and monitoring of a quality assurance program; maintaining and validating of instrumentation; and method development and validation. An employee in this class provides guidance, training, and technical assistance to less experienced personnel. The Forensic Firearms Examiner III class is the highest level in the Forensic Firearms Examiner series and may be responsible for the technical work direction and training of subordinate Forensic Firearms Examiners in all operations and in evidence processing. The Forensic Firearms Examiner III class is a professional class which involves work in various aspects of firearm, tool mark, and impression examination.

Common duties of the three classifications include:
Perform examinations of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, tool marks, and other firearms or tool related evidence.

• Perform examinations on clothing, bedding and other surfaces for the presence of gunshot residues or powder patterns, muzzle to target distance determinations, chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers, cartridge case ejection pattern testing and long-range trajectory evaluations
• Design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues.
• Respond to crime scenes to assist with the documentation and collection of evidence, chemical testing for trace metals, projectile trajectory determination, reconstruction and diagramming of shooting events and providing assistance of a technical nature to investigators.
• Enter and search data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
• Write scientific examination reports, prepare findings for court presentation, testify in court and discuss laboratory results with officers and attorneys.

A Forensic Firearms Examiner I may progress by non-competitive promotion to the classification of Forensic Firearms Examiner II and Forensic Firearms Examiner II may progress to Forensic Firearms Examiner III after successful completion of all requirements stipulated in the criteria-based promotion plan and meeting the minimum qualifications of the Forensic Scientist II and III classes. Supervision is received from a Forensic Scientist Supervisor through on-the-job observations, reports, meetings and results achieved; all work is performed in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures, federal/state guidelines and accreditation standards; all classes perform related duties as required, work with chemicals and other hazardous materials and are FLSA exempt-professional.
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications Required.

Forensic Firearms Examiner I:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related natural science.

• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.

Forensic Firearms Examiner II:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science.

• At least 4 years' experience in a crime laboratory as a Forensic Firearms Examiner I or equivalent and acceptance as an expert witness in court in at least one forensic science OR successful completion of all requirements stipulated in the criteria-based promotion plan for this classification.
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.

Forensic Firearms Examiner III:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or closely related natural science.

• At least 7 years' experience as a Forensic Firearms Examiner or equivalent in a recognized laboratory actively engaged in the forensic sciences.
• Experience testifying in court as an expert witness and state-of-the-art expertise in a specialized area of forensic science OR successful completion of all requirements stipulated in the criteria-based promotion plan for this classification.
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.

Substance Abuse Testing.  Forensic Firearms Examiner I, Forensic Firearms Examiner II, and Forensic Firearms Examiner III:  Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

City of Mesa offers a competitive benefits package. A CITY OF MESA ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.
Applications will be available as of the opening date of 6/12/15. First review of applications will be Monday, 06/22/15. Please apply by 6/25/15. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as we will review applications as they are received. For complete job description, requirements and online application form, please visit our web site at: www.mesaaz.gov/jobs.

The City of Mesa respects, values and welcomes diversity in our workforce. To this end, we encourage all interested people to apply. EOE/AAE