Forensic Scientist - Firearms Examiner

Duties

Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts specialized chemical, physical, and/or serological analyses of evidentiary materials; interprets analyses results; prepares and reviews technical reports; maintains security of evidence, chain of custody, and evidence records; prepares reagents; assists law enforcement agencies at crime scenes by evaluating and collecting potential evidence; serves as an expert witness in court giving testimony regarding findings of analyses and examination of evidence; attends training as required; maintains current knowledge in field by reading of professional literature; attends safety meetings, serves on safety committee as required, and participates in or performs audits and inspections as requested; teaches classes pertaining to forensic science to law enforcement personnel; participates in a proficiency testing program. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Other Job Functions: Performs other related duties as directed.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Baccalaureate or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or forensic science from an accredited university; must have a minimum of twenty-four semester credit hours in college level-chemistry coursework and three-semester credit hours in college-level statistics; knowledge of laboratory skills and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to conduct exhaustive complex chemical and biological analysis and prepare or review detailed technical reports; strong verbal and written communication skills; working knowledge of computer; math calculation skills; analytical and problem solving skills; strong interpersonal skills, including ability to interact and cooperate with co-workers and to deal effectively with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, court personnel, and the public; ability to present scientific data in an understandable manner to lay juries.

Specialized Requirements:

• Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, be a U.S. Citizen, be at least 21 years of age, be willing to work extended hours, including holidays, as needed. Subject to comprehensive background check.

Work Situations/Demands/Effort:

• Work requires organizing; prioritizing; accuracy; attention to detail; flexibility in order to perform a variety of duties and to adapt standard procedures to differing situations; performing routine, repetitive tasks; working in a high volume environment; meeting frequent deadlines; out-of-town travel to attend training and to testify in court; driving a county vehicle; irregular work hours and being subject to 24-hour call out to respond to crime scenes.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in a climate controlled laboratory area which is shared with other employees; laboratory has controlled access. Employee is subject to safety hazards when handling biological evidence and working with chemicals, and is exposed to fumes and odors from chemicals and biological evidence. Employee may be subjected to adverse weather and environmental conditions at crime scenes.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional moving of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Safety equipment must be worn when working with chemical and biological hazards. Extensive walking, reaching, bending, climbing, and balancing may be required while processing evidence and responding to crime scenes. Prolonged sitting or standing may be required while waiting to testify in court. Air travel or extended driving may be required to testify in court or to attend professional meetings or training.

Equipment Used:

• Laboratory equipment necessary to test and analyze forensic evidence: comparison microscope, stereoscope, GC, GC-MS, FTIR, centrifuges, electronic balances, chemical fume hoods, biological hoods, pipettes, cameras, and alternate light sources. Personal computer, mainframe computers and printers, word processing and spreadsheet software, and general office equipment as needed.

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