Firearms Examiner

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

The Firearms Examiner collects, preserves, examines, and interprets physical evidence associated with specific criminal acts related to firearms and tool mark identification. The examiner prepares complex documentation and written reports and presents finding in criminal court. This position performs highly sensitive tasks that require compliance with law enforcement rules and regulations relating to forensic examinations and evidence gathering.

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or Criminalistics related field.

Experience

• Combined education and experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year for year basis.

Other requirements

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.
• Training that may be provided on the job: FEMA NIMS - IS100 and 700, safety, payroll, PREA.
• Prior to hiring, the Sheriff's Office requires that all candidates pass an extensive background review, polygraph and psychological testing.

Our Preferred Candidate has

• Successfully completed a documented forensic firearm training program and/or demonstration of competency.
• Obtained a certification from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
• Two (2) years of experience in a forensic, science or engineering discipline.
• Specific education/training in shooting reconstruction, trajectory, firearms analysis or other related forensic firearms disciplines.
• Understands and practices firearm safety and proper handling techniques.
• Experience of microscopy.

Compensation is more than a salary with MCSO:

• Exceptional work-life balance: 4/10 and flex schedules available
• Ongoing training in firearms examinations
• Network in the AZ Firearms Examiners peer study group
• Be a part of an interdisciplinary team
• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
• Paid sick and parental leave
• Access to on-site fitness and free Maricopa County gyms
• Learn more at Benefits Overview

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

• Examines evidence using forensic techniques; prioritizes procedures and preserves appropriate samples for any subsequent forensic analysis.
• Maintains knowledge of the historical development of firearms and tool mark identification, to perform various types of evidentiary examination procedures (e.g. appropriate sample sizes, standards, control mechanisms, testing conditions).
• Examines firearms, ammunition and components, and related evidence.
• Test fires firearms for mechanical function, safety, accuracy etc.
• Designs and conducts research related to cases.
• Enters and searches data in NIBIN.
• Writes scientific examination reports, prepares courtroom testimony and demonstratives, testify in court, and discuss laboratory results with law enforcement and attorneys.
• Communicates in multiple formats with supervisors, MCSO staff, county employees, attorneys, and other experts in the field to exchange information regarding analyses of evidence.
• Consults and coordinates with forensic scientists, law enforcement, attorneys, forensic experts, and others regarding analysis, comparison, and identification of physical evidence.
• Inspects and evaluates equipment and standard operating procedures to determine compliance with standards, regulations, specifications, and guidelines.
• Works routinely with chemicals using personal protective equipment when appropriate and ensure safety protocols.
• Prepares mathematical and statistical computations, graphs, charts, and diagrams to complete and report scientific examinations.
• Determines characteristic ammunition and components used in shooting events and analyzing correlation to any firearm in question.
• Maintains firearm and toolmark training.
• Completes technical and/or chemical tests on firearms related evidence.
• Follows the proper chain of custody protocol.
• Maintains firearms related equipment and supplies, including calibrations and ordering of inventory.
• Conducts scheduled tours of the Firearms Laboratory to the public.
• Possess the knowledge and ability to perform casework which if handled incorrectly could result in liability (loss of life, wrongful conviction, mistrial, inaccurate capital case factors, etc.)

Working Conditions

Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

The following environments described are only representative of how the essential job tasks are currently performed or envisioned. As such, to accommodate a disability or limitation, the essential job tasks may be performed in ways other than described on these pages.

Work is typically performed in the laboratory and occasionally outdoors at a crime scene in various weather conditions and for extended periods of time. Duties may require working after normal working hours, on call status, and working in hazardous conditions.

Work Environment

• Indoors and outdoors
• In temperatures above 90 degrees, rarely below 40 degrees
• Dim and/or bright light
• Exposure to biohazardous materials
• Chemicals/fumes including those present during gunfire
• High decibel levels
• Conditions may include smoke/dust, wet/damp areas, stairs/ladders

Physical Environment

• Sitting, standing, walking
• Driving a vehicle
• Speaking, hearing, seeing, reading
• Distinguishing color
• Bending/kneeling
• Reaching, twisting, climbing
• Crawling, crouching, balancing
• Wearing protective gear
• Precise dexterity
• Lifting floor to waist a weight of fifty (50) pounds
• Lifting waist to shoulder a weight of twenty-five (25) pounds
• Lifting should to overhead a weight of fifteen (15) pounds
• Pushing/pulling a weight of twenty-five (25) pounds

Social Environment

• Traumatic subject matter
• Dangerous environments
• High volume of work
• Time constraints
• Multi-tasking, complicated or unscheduled tasks
• Teamwork/proximity to others
• Independent work
• Overtime

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Evidence, property, chain of custody policies and procedures
• Arizona State Revised Statutes
• Principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics related to forensic science
• Stereomicroscope, comparison microscope, chronograph, and decibel meter in performance of analyses
• Microsoft Office Suite/Photoshop
• Forensic Photography

Skill in

• Problem solving using logic and reasoning
• Communication in both written and oral formats
• Accuracy/concentration

Ability to

• Work in conditions to include adverse sights and odors while proximal to deceased individuals
• Work in biohazardous conditions
• Work with areas with chemical fumes

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.

All offers of employment made to new hires and rehires at Maricopa County are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment thorough background investigation. A background investigation is conducted on a current employee who changes to a Safety Sensitive Position or one having the potential for serious adverse impact on the integrity or efficiency of the County. These requirements do not pertain to employees of elected officials who undergo background investigation processes administered through their respective offices.

Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate, up to midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity and budgetary allowances.

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!