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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Firearms and Toolmark Examiner


FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (30) Technicians
Class Code: 14030 Salary Grade: OD5
Approved: October 24, 1997 Last Revised: June 06, 2019


Purpose:
 

Under general direction, uses broad and comprehensive knowledge, and standardized principles, practices, and procedures to examine, analyze, classify, and identify all firearms for Austin Police Department personnel to determine usage in a particular crime.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Responds to and coordinates shooting incidents with the lead detective and/or crime scene supervisor, utilizing disciplines related to the collection and documentation of firearm evidence.  
  2. Documents according to established standard operating procedures, collects, prepares, packages, preserves, and processes evidence for examination and analysis. 
  3. Performs comparative analysis of legally-seized firearms, ammunition components, and/or weapons.  
  4. Documents the unique characteristics of firearms during a forensic examination, to include thorough inspection, temporarily repairing/restoring firearms.
  5. Restores serial numbers using various processes, including acid etching, magnetic, and electrochemical methods.
  6. Performs comparative analysis of gunshot residue and distance determinations.
  7. Documents all firearm and toolmark examinations performed and results obtained. 
  8. Educates police personnel in firearm identification.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
  None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  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, and criminal law.
  • Knowledge of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System.
  • Knowledge of the theory and application of firearms identification.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • 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 and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical science, physical science, biological science, forensic science, or engineering science.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
  • Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C), plus completion of all required Commission-defined coursework for the discipline. All coursework must be completed and License must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.