Criminal Firearms Examiner II

City of Aurora

4d•$79,030 - $98,787•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Aurora is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Criminal Firearms Examiner II to join their team. This position performs analysis of forensic evidence through a variety of methods related to Firearms examinations. The role reports to the Aurora Police Department and is assigned to the Unified Forensic Laboratory (UFL) in Englewood, CO. The UFL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory that provides forensic services to law enforcement agencies within the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, and Douglas County in Colorado. The UFL is designed to support the criminal investigative functions of the agencies it serves.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a physical or natural science, or directly related field, from an accredited college or university.
Successful completion of a documented firearms examiner training plan, similar in scope to the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners training manual (approximately 2 years in length).
3 years of experience as a firearms examiner in a law enforcement laboratory or directly related environment.
Knowledge of appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in firearms examination.
Knowledge of safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory.
Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
Knowledge of rules of evidence and court testimony.
Knowledge of ISO 17025-2017 accreditation requirements as they apply to firearms examination.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Skill in the use of standard office equipment as well as laboratory instrumentation.
Skill in firearms examination.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Ability to properly use and maintain scientific equipment.
Ability to prepare reagents.
Ability to prepare accurate reports.
Ability to maintain secure custody of evidence while in their possession.
Ability to work independent of direct supervision.
Ability to testify effectively on scientific matters in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.
Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the Association Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners.

Responsibilities

Performs mechanical function examinations of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.
Examines firearms-related evidence to include bullets, fired cartridge cases, fired shot shells and shotshell components, and unfired ammunition.
Safely test fires firearms.
Compares test fire bullets to bullets from the crime scene or individuals to determine whether the evidence bullets were fired from a particular firearm barrel.
Compares test fired cartridge cases/shotshells to fired cartridge cases/shotshells from the crime scene to determine whether the evidence cartridge cases/shotshells were fired in a particular firearm.
Performs serial number restoration on firearms with obliterated serial numbers.
Performs BrassTraxTM acquisitions of test fired cartridge cases and crime scene cartridge cases into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
Performs Matchpoint+TM correlation reviews to identify and disseminate NIBIN leads.
Issues reports regarding analysis of evidence.
Testifies as an expert witness in municipal, state, and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis.
Maintains chain of custody of evidence.
Makes reagents/standards used for processing and verifies their performance.
Performs basic instrument maintenance when necessary.
Performs verifications and technical reviews of casework.
Maintains the firearms reference collection and stock ammunition collection.
Maintains compliance with ISO 17025-2017 standards.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid leave program
100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program
Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Continued education and career advancement opportunities