Forensic Scientist II - Firearms

Duties

Incumbents perform a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in the Firearms Detail of the Forensic Laboratory, interpret test results, formulate conclusions, and prepare reports. Incumbents also provide scientific assistance to external parties and testify in court as an expert witness.

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

Requirements

Training, Education and Experience

• Four years of full-time forensic scientist professional work experience in firearms.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical or biological science, or a forensic science related field. Applicants MUST attach a copy of their LEGIBLE transcript(s), which demonstrates proof of educational requirements, to their application at the time of submission. Failure to attach a legible transcript will result in automatic disqualification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Nevada driver license.
• Be a citizen/naturalized citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions on status of the United States of America by the date of the first test instrument
• Be at least 18 years old by the date of the first test instrument.

Best Candidates Will Have

• Five of more years of full-time experience as a Forensic Scientist in firearm analysis.
• AFTE membership and be in good standing.
• Experience training other Scientists in firearm analysis.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
• Participation in a formal evidentiary hearing regarding admissibility of firearm evidence.
• Experience working in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Familiarity with the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation program.
• Experience with NIBIN databases.
• Experience using Microsoft computer software.
• Training classes and conference attendance regarding firearm analysis.
• Knowledge of the current trends in firearm technology and methodology as well as new and theoretical approaches to firearm identification.

Conditions of Employment - In addition to the General Conditions of Employment, found here, the following specific conditions of employment and physical conditions apply to this position.

1. Personal Appearance: While on duty, and/or representing the Department, uniformed or otherwise, all Department employees will be neat and clean in their appearance in public. Employees are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles or jewelry on or through the nose, tongue, eyebrow or other exposed body part, except the ears for females, while on duty. Employees are prohibited from stretching or "gauging" their earlobes. All jewelry implants will not be exposed or visible while on duty. Tattoos or branding will not be exposed or visible while on duty and/or representing the Department. Such markings must be covered by clothing. Markings that cannot be covered by clothing will be covered using neutral-toned bandages or patches except for hands, neck, head, or face tattoos. Makeup is not permissible to cover a tattoo. Tattoos or branding anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination, indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, lawlessness, violence, or contain sexually explicit material are prohibited.
2. Participate in the LVMPD Mental Wellness Program.
3. May be required to work any hours, days or shifts, including holidays and weekends; work on-call; and subject to call backs.
4. Will be subjected to random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
5. Must participate in training programs which include written, oral, and practical exercises and competency tests.
6. Are expected to satisfactorily complete the defined training program as assigned within two years in order to progress to Forensic Scientist I.
7. May be terminated from employment for failing to satisfactorily complete training within the period determined by laboratory management.
8. Are required to submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
9. Are required to maintain a Nevada driver license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations, such as the courts.
10. Vision sufficient to read fine print on computers, distinguish fine details when looking through scientific instruments to examine evidence items, as well as distinguish color and recognize contrast, patterns, and dimensions.
11. Speech sufficient to render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instruction.
12. Hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
13. Agility and mobility sufficient to stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using laboratory and/or standard office equipment, as well as lift, push, and pull files, documents, laboratory equipment, and/or standard office equipment.
14. Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write labels on test tubes and small testing vessels.
15. Strength and mobility sufficient to lift moderately heavy items with or without aid of equipment.
16. Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.

Environmental Conditions

• Laboratory and office environment; use of gloves, respirators and/or air masks.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, human body fluids, and bloodborne pathogens.
• Exposure to computer screens.
• Road and traffic conditions while driving a vehicle when conducting Department business.

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