Forensic Scientist III - Firearms Examiner - FORENSIC SCIENCE

Department:  FSC 

Pay:  Annual salary range: $66,892 to $100,236 based on qualifications/experience  

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM  

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

Performs various analytical tests within the Firearms Section related to criminal investigations. Interprets complex data, formulates conclusions, and prepares results of findings to provide an expert opinion in criminal justice proceedings. Adheres to quality control procedures, performs quality assurance verifications, assists with the maintenance and calibrations of laboratory instrumentation, and participates in research and validations as necessary.

Firearms Casework:

• Document, collect, and preserve physical evidence according to laboratory procedures, to ensure chain of custody is maintained.
• Function test and trouble shoot a wide variety of firearms.
• Safely obtain test fired ammunition components for comparisons.
• Perform serial number restorations.
• Examine, test, and analyze submitted bullets, cartridge cases and other ammunition components in an effort to determine source.
• Use a comparison microscope.
• Prepare detailed notes.
• Compose written laboratory reports.
• Interpret laboratory findings and test results from evidentiary material.
• Provide verifications of comparisons for other scientists.
• Perform administrative and technical reviews of case files.
• Confer with law enforcement and/or attorneys pertaining to test results and interpretations.
• Participate in the preparation and review of discovery materials.
• Testify as an expert witness in a court of law.

Quality Assurance:

• Follow quality control procedures and ensure all work performed is in accordance with current standard operating procedure and accreditation standards.
• Participate in proficiency test program.
• Prepare reagents and verify/document reagent performance.
• Maintain laboratory equipment per accepted procedures.
• Perform validations/crossover studies as required.   
• Maintain inventory and supplies.
• Maintain the ammunition and firearms reference files.

Training:

• Continue to increase level of expertise by attending available training opportunities (professional meetings, current literature, and/or continuing education).
• Provide technical training to staff and new scientists.
• Provide training on the functions of the laboratory to other agencies.
• Provide training to members of the criminal justice community and general interest groups.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two semesters of chemistry. Completion of training for comparison of ammunition components in accordance with AFTE training program guidelines or equivalent. Four years of experience working as a Firearms Examiner. A master’s degree or doctorate in an appropriate field may be substituted for one or two years of experience, respectively.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, forensic science, or a related field. AFTE Certification or equivalent.

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