Forensic Scientist - Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions)

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Forensic Scientist Trainee

• Participates in comprehensive laboratory training in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
• Learns the various techniques used in collection, preservation, handling, and receipt of physical evidence; learns quality control of evidence handling and procedures;
• Observes courtroom proceedings and participates in mock trials to learn appropriate courtroom demeanor; may testify in court regarding chain of evidence and handling procedures;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Learns to maintain and calibrate scientific instruments;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Forensic Scientist I

• Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; may testify in court regarding examination results;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Forensic Scientist II

• Utilizes standard laboratory procedures to perform analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis; Identifies, analyzes and compares firearms and related equipment, toolmarks, and impressions;
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusions;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Consults regarding cases with law enforcement, attorneys, and other appropriate personnel;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results;
• Assists in validation of new instrumentation and procedures;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Forensic Scientist III

• Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence in Comparative Analysis (Firearms/Toolmarks/Impressions);
• Prepares written reports describing the evidence examined, observations, results of testing, and interpretations or conclusion;
• Attends crime scenes and assist in gathering evidence;
• Studies and researches new techniques in forensic science; develops and validates applications, methods, and equipment for use in comparing, analyzing, and/or identifying physical evidence;
• Maintains case files and records to preserve the integrity of evidence and examinations performed;
• Conducts training for individuals and groups and participates in the forensic science laboratory training program;
• Provides expertise, mentoring, and consultation to other section staff to resolve complex problems;
• Interacts with law enforcement attorneys and other appropriate personnel regarding cases;
• Prepares visual aids for court presentations; testifies in court regarding examination results and as an expert witness regarding interpretations and conclusions;
• Maintains and repairs laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

Forensic Scientist Trainee:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, forensic science, or a closely related field, which has included eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry.

Forensic Scientist I:

• One (1) year of professional forensic scientist work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis -AND- graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

Forensic Scientist II:

• Three (3) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis -AND- graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

Forensic Scientist III:

• Five (5) years of professional forensic science work experience preferably in Comparative Analysis -AND- graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, physics, biology, forensic science, or closely related field, which has included at least eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarters units of general chemistry.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

• Verification of the required college degree and college-level coursework is required. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect the date your degree was conferred and passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted. Unofficial transcripts acceptable. Degree(s) from a foreign institution require an academic credential evaluation to determine the U.S. equivalency.
• You must submit the above documentation, a hard copy with a paper application or a scanned copy as an attachment for an online application.
• If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it's a copy. Whatever you submit will not be returned to you.
• If the name on this documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change (e.g., a marriage certificate).
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.

NOTE: The ability to communicate effectively in writing must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED:

• Certification through the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in related field
• Three (3) semester units or four and a half (4.5) quarters units of quantitative analysis.

Supplemental information:
Work is performed in the forensic sciences laboratory or at the site of various criminal activities. Duties may require incumbents to attend crime scenes after normal working hours and work in hazardous conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Some (FST) to working (FSI) knowledge of:

• Basic scientific methods and procedures.

Some (FST) to working (FSII) to thorough (FSII) to comprehensive (FS III) knowledge of:

• Laboratory techniques used for scientific examination pf physical evidence.

Working (FSII) to comprehensive (FSIII) knowledge of:

• Collecting and preserving physical evidence of firearms and related equipment toolmarks and impressions;
• Scientific research methods and procedures in the forensic science field.
• Working ability at the Trainee level to learn forensic analytical work.

Some (FST) ability to:

• Analyze, compare, and/or identify materials; develop evidence and communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence;
• Construct court exhibits and demonstrate charts;
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and other others involved in the legal system.

Working ability (FSI) to:

• Analyze, compare, and/or identify physical evidence;
• Perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments;
• Prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control;
• Assist in crime scene investigation; communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Construct court exhibits and demonstrations charts;
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel, and others involved in the legal system.

Working (FSII) to comprehensive (FSIII) ability to:

• Analyze, compare, and/or identify materials and interpret their significance in a court of law;
• Compare, analyze, and/or identify physical evidence;
• Conduct crime scene investigations and collect evidence;
• Prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes;
• Construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; research and present new analytical techniques;
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel; and others involved in the legal system.

Thoroughly (FSII/III) skilled in:

• Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, safety equipment, and analytical instruments.

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Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology