Forensic Scientist II, Firearms

Duties

The Forensic Scientist II performs casework on firearms evidence seized by law enforcement officers in the course of their investigations. Analysis of evidence consists of one or more of the following:

• Evaluation of a firearm to determine functionality, safety, and alterations
• Test firing of firearms
• Determination of caliber
• Determination of whether unknown ammunition components were fired from a particular firearm
• Determination of NIBIN suitability
• Restoration of obliterated serial numbers

• The Forensic Scientist must stay current in the field of forensic firearms analysis to keep up with new firearms and ammunition being encountered, new technical and analytical procedures, and changes in the laws that would apply directly to the analysis.

COURT TESTIMONY AND COMMUNICATION

• The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence. The Forensic Scientist is, through education, training and experience, qualified by the court as an expert in the field off or forensic firearms analysis before being allowed to testify about the analysis. As an expert witness, the Forensic Scientist must explain and defend in detail the analysis, including the procedures and techniques used, the results of the analysis, and how the results of the analysis apply in the given case.

PEER REVIEW OF CASEWORK

• This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation. This position will perform administrative, clerical, technical and verification reviews on all types of cases.
• The Forensic Scientist II will perform casework with a high degree of technical independence.
• The Forensic Scientist shall be required to obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within 18 months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entities.
• Selected candidate will undergo and must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation which may take several months to complete. The background investigation includes: credit and arrest checks; interviews with associates, personal and business references, past employers and neighbors; verification of education achievement, fingerprinting and urinalysis drug screening.
• Out of state applicants: This may require the applicant to return to the State of North Carolina multiple times at his or her own expense after the initial interview, in order to undergo the background investigation process.
• Transcripts are required at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Foreign degrees require an official evaluation for U.S. equivalency to be provided at the time of application.
• This position requires travel to testify in court.

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Employees must have knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
• Employees must have knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering and handling.
• Employees must have knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, and interpret methodology and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a major in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science (physics), mechanical engineering, criminal justice or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience performing bench level analysis in firearms and tool marks; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Management preferences:

• A fully trained firearms examiner.

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