Forensic Scientist Firearms & Tool Marks Section

Forensic Scientist - Firearms & Tool Marks Section

FT / PT Status Full-Time
Remote Work / In-Office In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter Kelly Chinn
Application Deadline 8/27/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Utah State Crime Lab
The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory System (aka the State Crime Lab)was created by the Legislature to provide timely and comprehensive criminalisticservices to criminal justice entities within the State of Utah. By statute () thelaboratory shall analyze evidence from crime scenes and crime-related incidents forcriminal prosecution; and provide criminalistics laboratory services to federal state andlocal law enforcement agencies prosecuting attorneys and agencies and publicdefenders...

Firearms and Tool Marks Section
Forensic Scientists in the Firearms and Tool Marks section perform complex forensicexaminations of physical evidence submitted to the Bureau of Forensic Services relatedto firearms and tool mark identification.

Principal duties
Perform examinations of firearms ammunition ammunition components toolstool marks and other firearms or tool related evidence
Perform examinations on clothing and other surfaces for the presence ofgunshot residues or powder patterns and muzzle to target distancedeterminations
Perform chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers
Perform projectile trajectory determinations reconstructions and diagrammingof shooting events and provide assistance of a technical nature toinvestigators
Enter and search data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network(NIBIN)
Design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues
Present findings in a technical report and verbally in a court of law throughexpert witness testimony
Forensic Scientists follow all established protocols and procedures andcomplete assigned tasks as deemed necessary by the Firearms sectionmanager
Senior forensic scientists may supervise training or other programs overseecertification-testing programs and conduct research and planning in support oflaboratory projects and goals. Senior forensic scientists must have completedtraining and be actively working cases in two or more forensic disciplines andpass annual proficiency tests in these disciplines. Senior forensic scientists arerecognized as scientific discipline leaders and are expected to make significanttechnical contributions to the lab champion new ideas build strong internaland external networks and mentor and develop junior staff.

Requirements:
Bachelors of Science Degree in a natural science (Biology Chemistry or Biochemistry) Forensic Science or closely related field (Criminal Justice)
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation as well as a polygraph examination and drug test.

Ideal Candidate:
Will have knowledge of evidence handling rules of evidence and chain of custody.
Will have experience as a firearms examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.
Will have experience in NIBIN acquisitions and/or correlations.

May be filled with a Forensic Scientist I $32.51/hr Forensic Scientist II $36.58/hr or Senior Forensic Scientist $41.34/hr depending on experience.

Supplemental Information:
Come join the Public Safety Team in Utah! Enjoy building a career in a modernforensic laboratory working with other experienced scientists while enjoyingfrequent continuing collaborative education. The Utah Department of PublicSafety has the only accredited full-service laboratory in the state of Utah andhas been accredited since 1996. The central crime laboratory is located within30 minutes of six major ski resorts world class hiking rock climbing and aninternational airport. The State of Utah boasts 5 National Parks and some ofthe best mountain biking and off-road vehicle terrain in the country. The UtahDepartment of Public Safety allows flexible work times to include a 4- 10 workweek which would mean an employee could have an extra day to ski theGreatest Snow On Earth or enjoy other outdoor activities.

About the Role

Location
4451 S Constitution Blvd.
Taylorsville Utah 84129
United States

Background Check Required A comprehensive background investigation which may include a polygraph may be required.
Drug Test Required Yes
Schedule Code B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah we believe hard work is important but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation strong work ethics and mutual support.

The Agency

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 13 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol the Division of Emergency Management Driver License division Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) State Fire Marshal Highway Safety Office Communications State Crime Lab Bureau of Criminal Identification Bureau of (EMS) School Safety and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team aero bureau CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age citizenship marital status disability gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations please contact .

Required Experience:

IC