| Purpose: |
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Under minimal direction, this position promotes and maintains the quality assurance system of the Firearm and Toolmark Section. This position provides scientifically defensible technical guidance and is proficient in and performs all of the duties required of a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner. |
| Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: |
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Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Performs the functions and responsibilities of a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner.
- Oversees all technical operations of the Firearm and Toolmark Section.
- Maintains and updates the Firearm and Toolmark Section quality control documents.
- Evaluates and coordinates training for all new employees, including recommending employees for supervised or independent casework.
- Documents and resolves quality assurance issues according to accreditation guidelines.
- Coordinates and evaluates annual proficiency testing.
- Oversees the validation of new instrumentation, software, and methods.
- Maintains supplies, equipment, and conducts and records quarterly performance verification.
- Writes, drafts, and completes supplemental reports providing documentation of analysis.
- Responds to crime scenes to identify, document, collect, preserve, and process scene and firearm related evidence and maintains on call responsibilities.
- Conducts administrative and technical review of Firearm and Toolmark reports.
- Testifies as an expert witness in court. Provides courtroom evaluations of section employees.
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| Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: |
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May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Responsible for technical evaluation of staff and making recommendations regarding technical suitability for essential job duties.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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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.
- Knowledge of City practice, policy, procedure, statutes, ordinances, as well as governing Federal, State, and Local laws.
- Knowledge of recommendations from national and regional forensic scientific working groups.
- Knowledge of forensic accreditation standards such as ISO 17025:2017 and AR3125 and Texas Forensic licensing standards.
- Knowledge of quality assurance and equipment maintenance practices.
- Knowledge of hardware and software of Forensic Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Knowledge of the theory and application of firearms identification.
- Skill in establishing and improving practices, policies, procedures, and safety and training manuals
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in firearm examination and toolmark comparison, serial number restoration, distance determination, and trajectory analysis.
- Ability to obtain, interpret, report, and present results of examination and analysis.
- Ability to develop, review, and/or critique experimental/analytical data, validation test plans, validation reports, methods, and procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to laypersons and customers.
- Ability to thrive in a team environment and collaborate well with others.
- Ability to be precise and meticulous with time sensitive processes.
- Ability to stay abreast of changing laws, policies, and discipline-specific trends.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees, stakeholders, and the public.
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
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Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical science, physical science, biological science, forensic science, or engineering science, plus three (3) years of experience in an accredited Firearm and Toolmark laboratory including satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of relevant proficiency tests. |
| Licenses and Certifications Required: |
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- Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
- Active Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C and subchapter D, (4) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
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