Forensic Scientist I (Firearms and Toolmarks)

City of Austin

11d • $29 - $36 • Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Purpose: Under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of independent judgment, this position performs entry-level forensic science work in one of the following disciplines within Austin Forensic Science: Crime Scene, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Prints, Seized Drugs, or Toxicology. As a key member of Austin Forensic Science Firearms and Toolmark section, this position applies comprehensive knowledge and modern forensic principles, practices, and procedures to objectively examine, analyze, classify, and identify firearms and firearm related evidence. Support our mission in the pursuit of truth through science and outstanding service to the legal system and community of Austin. Come be part of Austin Forensic Science Firearms team as we implement the latest 3D microscopy technology.

Requirements

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Color vision acuity for select disciplines.
• Knowledge of basic theory, principles, techniques and procedures of related forensic science discipline.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of proper evidence handling procedures.
• Skill in use of laboratory instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work in hazardous working conditions, including situations where there is a danger to life, body, and/or health, exposure to hazardous/toxic chemicals, exposure to biological fluids and blood-borne diseases, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with City employees and the public.
• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a field related to the job.
• A current Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License may be substituted for the education requirements.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Forensic Analyst License from the Texas Forensic Science Commission as/ if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure Title 1 Chapter 38.01 for the posted discipline, within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Any deficiency in degree or coursework requirement for the Forensic Analyst License must be obtained at personal expense and prior to applying for the license.
• Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

• Active Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License, or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs and successfully completes (entry-level) training on evidence collection/control, laboratory processing, laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and/or identifications/associations of all types of physical crime scene evidence applicable and specific to the forensic discipline.
• Demonstrates competency in areas trained, successfully completes supervised casework.
• Creates and maintains accurate and contemporaneous training records, forensic reports, records, and documents.
• Learns how to effectively represent the discipline, associated results of analyses/examinations and other forensic work products in testimony. May serve as an expert witness in court.
• Learns the requirements of and adheres to the Quality Management System, including adherence to forensic practitioner professional standards as defined by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
• Performs entry-level forensic work in the discipline and areas authorized; such as evidence collection, documentation, processing, analysis, and associated reporting.
• Responds to crime scenes and participates in 24/7 on-call rotations if required (applicable only to Crime Scene and Firearms and Toolmarks disciplines).
• Collects, prepares, packages, preserves, and processes evidence for forensic examination and analysis.
• Performs comparative analysis of legally seized firearms, ammunition components, and/or weapons.
• Documents the unique characteristics of firearms during a forensic examination, to include thorough inspection and temporarily repairing/restoring firearms.
• Restores serial numbers, performs comparative analysis of gunshot residue and distance determinations.
• Documents all firearm and toolmark examinations performed and results obtained.
• Testifies to work performed in court.
• Educates personnel in firearm identification.
• Responds to major shooting incidents as needed in coordination with crime scene specialists, for collection and documentation of firearm-specific evidence.

Benefits

• comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits
• City of Austin Employees' Retirement System
• access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure
• wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support
• professional development and leadership opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees