Topic: Job Announcement- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff"s Office

[Scott Doyle]

Subject:       Crime Lab – Firearms / Tool mark Examiner
Job Title:       Firearms Examiner
Department:       Crime Lab
Reports To:       Sergeant
FLSA Status:       Non exempt
Prepared By:      Captain Jim Richard
Prepared Date:      02/19/08
Approved By:      Major Fred Oswald
Approved Date:      02/19/08
Salary Range:       Based on Experience 
 
SUMMARY – Examiners should have adequate knowledge of microscopy, special lighting techniques, preparation of impressions or casts, techniques of comparative examination and the concept of individualization. Should also have adequate knowledge of the nomenclature, operability/operation of firearms, bullet, and cartridge case comparisons, powder and shot patterns, distance determination from a discharged cartridge case or bullet. Prepares detailed analytical reports for use in criminal and civil cases by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Microscopic examination of fired ammunition components.

Microscopic examination of markings made by certain types of tools.

Test fires all types of firearms.

Documents muzzle to target distance.

Conduct examination to determine the presence of gun shot residues.

Microscopic examination of materials to identify certain tool marks.

Write detailed analytical reports.

Provide expert testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings.

Determine trajectories of firearms at crime scenes.
Operate, enter, and correlate fired components into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, (NIBIN).
Perform ownership traces on firearms.

Maintain inventory of supplies for the firearm and tool mark unit.

Use of chemicals for serial number restorations.

Verify firearm safety prior to test firing all types of firearms.

Possibly locate, identify, and collect physical evidence at crime scenes for scientific evaluation.

May be called upon to process victim’s body or remains for evidentiary purposes.

Submits properly packaged and labeled evidence to the Evidence Officer for further forensic evaluation and for use in court.

Have mastery of the theory, procedures, and techniques necessary to produce reliable results and conclusions

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - A baccalaureate degree with science courses, or a high school diploma with specialized training or education in the field of firearms and tool mark identification.

LANGUAGE SKILLS - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write court worthy reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions to fellow law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and court officials.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS - Ability to calculate figures, distance, weights, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS - Valid Louisiana Motor Vehicle Operator's License; proof of residency of St. Tammany Parish (voter’s registration card); birth certificate (minimum age of 21 years); Social Security Card. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel; reach above head with hands and arms; balance or climb (on steps, and ladders); stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Due to the nature of this job the employee must sometimes work in remote locations and must be able to maneuver in these areas, such as jump over ditches, crawl underneath automobiles, and climb over fences.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; and risk of electrical shock.  Applicant must be willing to work shifts as needed.  In addition, the technician is expected to respond to emergency calls whenever necessary, 24 hours a day.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

For more information regarding this posting, contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory, Captain Jim Richard or Lieutenant Tasha Karnes. To apply contact the Human Resources Department or go to www.stpso.com to apply on line before March 3, 2008