Firearms Examiner Senior
Firearms Examiner Senior
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Job Description
Posting Date
01/29/25Application Deadline
Open Until FilledPay Range
Min Mid Max$34.50 $43.50 52.50
Job Type
UnclassifiedDepartment
SheriffAbout the Position
Unleash your passion for firearm analysis in a role that grants you the time and autonomy to go deep. Conduct intricate investigations delve into complex cases and unearth the hidden stories meticulously preserved in metal and gunpowder. Enjoy a manageable workload that allows you to thoroughly research write detailed reports and contribute significantly to uncovering the truth. Thrive in a role where you own your work and schedule.
The Firearm Examiner Senior identifies collects preserves examines and interprets physical evidence associated with specific criminal acts related to firearm and tool mark identification. The examiner prepares complex documentation and written reports and presents findings in criminal court. This position performs highly sensitive tasks that require compliance with law enforcement rules and regulations related to forensic examination and evidence gathering.
Craft your own path to fulfillment. Utilize your expertise to unlock the secrets hidden within each imprint. Enjoy autonomy worklife balance and the satisfaction of contributing to complex investigations join us today!
About the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office:
Do you possess integrity strong interpersonal skills and do you have a desire to serve your community We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team with a variety of openings for Civilian Detention and Sworn personnel. The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) invites you to become part of Arizonas leading law enforcement agency where we come together as a team to support and provide public safety.
Position Qualifications
We recognize your time is valuable so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:
Education
Bachelors Degree in Natural Science Criminalistics or a related field.
Experience
Four 4 years of experience as a firearms examiner.
OR
Combined education and experience qualifications
Other combinations of education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year for year basis.
Other requirements
Must understand and practice firearm safety and proper handling techniques.
Successful completion of a documented forensic scientist firearm and toolmark training program and/or demonstration of competency in the examination of tools and objects bearing toolmarks.
Must obtain certification on the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) system within 24 months from start date.
Must possess a valid Arizona drivers license or have the ability to obtain by the time of hire.
Training that may be provided onthejob: FEMA NIMS IS100 and 700; Safety; Payroll; PREA.
Prior to hiring the Sheriffs Office requires that all candidates pass an extensive background review polygraph and psychological testing .
Compensation is more than a salary with MCSO:
Exceptional worklife balance: 4/10 and flex schedules available
Ongoing advanced training in firearms including firearms examiner seminars
Opportunity to apply expertise in the field by assisting with crime scene investigations
Reference collection of 600 firearms and shooting range onsite
Network share and learn in the Arizona Firearms Examiners peer study group
Interdisciplinary team with diverse perspectives
Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System
Paid sick and parental leaves (birth/adoption)
Access to onsite fitness center and free County gyms
Learn more at Benefits Overview
Essential Job Tasks
(This is not an allinclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Processes and preserves physical evidence including trace and biological evidence; marks evidence properly.
Examines evidence using forensic techniques; prioritizes procedures and preserves appropriate samples for any subsequent forensic analysis.
Applies knowledge of the historical development of firearm and tool mark identification to performing various types of evidentiary examination procedures (e.g. appropriate sample sizes standards control mechanisms testing conditions).
Examines firearms ammunition ammunition components tools toolmarks and other related evidence.
Designs and conducts experiments related to specific case issues.
Enters and searches data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
Writes scientific examination reports prepares findings for court presentations testifies in court and discusses laboratory results with law enforcement officers 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; interacts with the general public regarding the evaluation of evidence for investigation of crimes.
Consults and coordinates with other forensic scientists law enforcement entities attorneys private experts and others regarding the solution of problems involving the analysis comparison and identification of physical evidence.
Inspects and evaluates equipment objects information and workrelated conditions to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards regulations and guidelines including manufacturers specifications on computerized scientific equipment.
Works routinely with chemicals using specialized protective equipment; determines results of chemical tests; prepares graphs charts and/or diagrams resulting from scientific examinations.
Performs mathematical and statistical computations in order to complete scientific examinations.
Determines types of ammunition and components used in shooting and whether fired from a specific firearm.
Maintains updated firearms training and comprehends protocols.
Works with and regularly prepares various chemical processes; determines and ensures safety protocols and precautions are adhered to when handling evidence chemicals (carcinogenic) hazardous and biohazard materials.
Completes technical/chemical tests (e.g. gunshot blood sampling).
Follows proper chain of custody policy and procedures.
Assists with maintenance of firearms laboratory and evidence processing equipment orders supplies as needed and maintains inventory of forensic supplies for the unit.
Provides inservice training of employees on firearms and ballistics related topics.
Trains and mentors new employees during their probationary period.
Conducts lab tours and presentations for the public.
Possesses the knowledge and ability to handle casework which if handled improperly or delayed could result in many liabilities (e.g. loss of life; improper incarceration; misidentifying suspects/victims; delayed filing of criminal charges search warrants and orders to obtain; adversely impacting prior casework; lawsuits for improper evidence handling; cases/evidence thrown out of court for insufficient evidence or mistrials; impact on litigating factors in death penalty cases).
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 in order to accommodate a disability or limitation the essential job tasks may be performed in ways other than described on these pages.
Work is normally performed indoors in the laboratory and occasionally outdoors at the site of various crime scenes in varied weather conditions for extended periods of time. Duties may require attendance at crime scenes after normal working hours on call status 24/7 and working in hazardous conditions.
Work environment
Indoors and outdoors
In temperatures above 90 degrees rarely below 40 degrees
Dim lighting bright lighting
Exposure to contagious diseases
Chemicals/fumes/lead particles
Conditions frequently include smoke/dust wet/damp area stairs or ladders high noise level
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 twentyfive 25 pounds
Lifting shoulder to overhead a weight of fifteen 15 pounds
Carrying a weight of fifteen 15 pounds for varied distances
Pushing/pulling a weight of twentyfive 25 pounds for varied distances
Social environment
Traumatic subject matter
Dangerous environment
High volume of work
Interruptions time pressures
Handling multiple or complicated tasks unscheduled tasks frequently changing tasks
Accuracy
Decisionmaking
Concentration/vigilance
Teamwork working in close physical proximity with others
Overtime/rotating shifts
Conditions frequently include emergencies isolation public contact
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
Evidence property chainofcommand protocols.
Arizona State Revised Statutes principles of chemistry physics biology physiology and mathematics/statistics as related to forensic science.
The use of a stereomicroscope comparison microscope chronograph and decibel meter to perform examinations.
Microsoft 365 and applications such as trajectory Photoshop GRC CartWin Pro and TriggerScan software.
Skill in
Comprehending evaluating and solving problems by exercising judgment and logic.
Acquiring and maintaining knowledge and skills required for the target classification.
Understanding and interpreting material charts graphs and tables.
Ability to
Work under highly emotional conditions which may include interacting with victims of violent crimes and adverse sights smells and touch when dealing with dead bodies
Work in biohazard environments and handle and/or be exposed to chemicals (carcinogenic) and biohazard evidence.
Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
Apply strong learning and reasoning skills to work tasks.
Supervision
Reports to
Forensic Scientist Manager
Supervisory Responsibility
N/A
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 preemployment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safetysensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.
Apply Now!
Employment Type
Full-Time
