Firearm and Toolmark Examiner

Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Examine evidence and forensic materials and render all items safe.
• Examine evidence items for any signs indicating make, model, modifications, place of origin, manufacturer or maker, and serial numbers.
• Examine evidence items for unique or indicative tool marks, using magnification, etching, x-ray, and/or photographic techniques to best exploit the evidence items.
• Use photographic equipment to capture still images of each evidence item and relevant key portions of the evidence item, or other exhibits, to support further analysis, conclusions, and documentation.
• Utilizing and submitting to national databases.
• Perform forensic examination of tool marks on a wide variety of weapons and IED related evidence.
• Produce detailed notes and reports.
• Perform technical and administrative reviews (AR/TR) of other examiners' casework.
• Perform quality checks of instruments and reagents.
• Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.

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

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• More than four (4) years of experience in one or more of the following fields:
• Analysis of firearms, ammunition, and ammunition components
• Examination and microscopic comparison of questioned bullets, and cartridge cases
• Examination of various types of manufacturers, class and individual characteristics of tools and tools marks on a variety of objects
• Conduct shooting incident reconstruction
• Provide training for other laboratory examiners and personnel in regard to firearms safety and proper handling techniques and guidance and expertise to latent print examiners in regard to assisting them with potential locations on firearms where latent prints may be found
• Experience conducting examinations while maintaining chain of custody and formulating interpretation results for forensic and or intelligence exploitation
• Collection, preservation, and processing of evidence and event reconstruction
• Professional certifications such as Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE).
• Must be able to successfully pass all medical requirements for deployment.
• Must be able to successfully pass a skills assessment.
• Must be able to pass competency and proficiency test
• Able to obtain and maintain a Secret US Government clearance. Note US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Able to obtain a US Passport.

Desired Qualifications:

• One (1) year of experience as the lead of a team of firearms and tool mark examiners is desired.
• Experience working with an OIF/OEF Laboratory, TEDAC facility, or other NGIC, DoD or ATF Lab; interagency or state/local law enforcement forensics labs preferred.

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