Topic: Sheriff's Forensic Scientist Trainee/I/II/III - Firearm and Toolmark Examiner

[geraldchambers]

Under immediate supervision, Forensic Scientist Trainee (FST) participates in an agency-sponsored training program to develop the knowledge, understanding, and technical skills required in the firearm and toolmark area of the Forensic Sciences Laboratory.

Under direct supervision, Forensic Scientist I (FSI) performs forensic science casework of limited complexity in firearm and toolmark examination, presents findings in court and in other legal proceedings, and prepares documentation and written reports.

Under general supervision, Forensic Scientist II (FSII) performs more complex and difficult firearm and toolmark casework, prepares documentation and written reports; presents findings in criminal court.

Under direction, Forensic Scientist III (FSIII) performs and provides lead supervision over the more difficult and complex firearm and toolmark cases; presents findings in criminal court, and prepares documentation and written reports.

Work is performed at the Forensic Sciences Laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions.
 
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

FST:
 

• Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in firearm and toolmark examination;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
• Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
• Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
• Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of evidence and handling procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FS I/II/III:
 

• Performs laboratory analysis of firearms, ammunition and ammunition components, clothing, tools and other related physical evidence;
• Examines and safely test-fires firearms in water tanks, cotton wadding and/or other recovery systems to determine possible use in criminal activities;
• Enters and reviews files and images in local and national firearm databases for potential associations (NIBIN database);
• Performs trigger pull analysis to determine mechanical information related to firearms;
• Takes photographs employing photomicrographic techniques during analytical comparison;
• Renders safe firearms that are potentially loaded and/or in damaged or rusted condition;
• Restores by physical means or chemical etching obliterated identifying marks and serial numbers;
• Develops own applications as well as utilizes standard analytical procedures to perform analysis;
• Forwards case reports for review and verification by a technically qualified forensic scientist;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations;
• Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
• Attends crime scenes and assists in gathering evidence as required;
• Interacts with law enforcement personnel to obtain information about evidence and cases;
• Provides expertise, mentoring, and consultation to other section staff to resolve complex problems;
• Conducts training for individuals and groups and participates in the Forensic Sciences Laboratory's training program; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

Forensic Scientist Trainee: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight ( semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.

Forensic Scientist I: One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience in firearm and toolmark examination AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight ( semester units (twelve (12) quarters) of general chemistry.

Forensic Scientist II: Three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience in firearm and toolmark examination AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight ( semester units (twelve (12) quarters) of general chemistry.
 
Forensic Scientist III:  Five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience in firearm and toolmark examination AND graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight ( semester units (twelve (12) quarters) of general chemistry.
 
FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015. (previously, This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it.  Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.)

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/hr.  If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
 

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Gerald Chambers by email at gerald.chambers@ventura.org or phone (805) 477-1921.