Topic: Fort Worth Police Department Forensic Scientist, Firearm & Toolmark Unit

[Michael Ward]

Forensic Scientist
Firearms & Toolmark Unit

APPLY ON-LINE ONLY

And

MUST INCLUDE RESUME AND COVER LETER

CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled

Application must be complete, listing current to past “Work History” experience up to ten years, as applicable.  Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Job Description

The City of Fort Worth is currently seeking to hire a Forensic Scientist in the Firearms Unit of the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD).  This position will perform a variety of scientific laboratory analyses on physical evidence to provide scientific consultation, interpret test results and form conclusions and testify as an expert witness in court.

The following education and/or experience are the minimum standards which provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position:
Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology or a related field PLUS one (1) year of practical experience working in a firearms lab required.   Extensive public contact customer service skills required.

Major duties of the Forensic Scientist in Firearms will include:
•   Caliber determination of evidence projectiles
•   Cartridge case entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
•   Comparative microscopic analysis of ammunition components
•   Consultation with detectives and District Attorney personnel
•   Create detailed notes and generate reports of analysis in LIMS
•   Examination of shotshell components
•   Muzzle to target distance determination testing
•   Photo documentation of microscopic analysis
•   Present testimony of findings in state and federal court
•   Proper handling and documentation of evidence
•   Reagent Preparation
•   Rendering damaged firearms safe for Department personnel
•   Safe handling of evidence with biological contamination and safe handling of firearms in poor or non-working condition
•   Serial number restoration testing
•   Test-firing and functionality examinations of firearms

Other Requirements

Valid Texas driver’s license

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:
Essential and other important responsibilities may include touching, talking, grasping, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, repetitive motions, hearing and seeing.

Physical Conditions:

Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing and walking for long periods of time; must be physically capable of maneuvering a minimum of 20 lbs; general manual dexterity is required adequate vision, hearing and speech.

JOB PREFERENCES

Preference may be given to candidates with:
•   AFTE Certification
•   ASCLD/LAB ISO Assessor
•   Non-firearm toolmark analysis experience

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT   

Persons selected for employment into any position must pass a drug test. Some positions may require passing an alcohol test. Previous employment and any additional experience will be subject to verification prior to employment processing. A driver’s license and driving record check will be conducted if driving is a job requirement. A post offer employment medical examination may be conducted prior to job placement.
Final candidates selected for hire in the Police Department will be subject to a criminal background, drug screen, polygraph examination and fingerprint check. Applicants must not have used marijuana during the previous year, nor illegally used any controlled substances within the last ten (10) years.
You will be paid by direct deposit only.

The City of Fort Worth affords equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. This policy is practiced in all personnel actions and conditions of employment, including but not limited to: recruitment, employment, training, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, layoff, discipline, compensation, and benefits.