Forensic Laboratory Firearms Analyst

  • Job Code: W0121
  • Pay Grade:WQ
  • Pay Scale:$31.20-$51.90 Hourly; $64,896.00-$107,952.00 Annually
  • Exempt:No

Overview

Perform firearms and National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) examinations and comparisons using Firearm and NIBIN protocols. Employees must successfully complete the HCSO Firearms Examiner Competency Exam within the first six months of the probationary period.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

  • Perform examinations and comparisons of firearms and firearm components.

  • Identify potential associations of gun related crime using NIBIN to assist detectives in solving cases.

  • Write reports to document findings and conclusions of cases.

  • Testify as an expert witness in court regarding firearms examination and comparison procedures, and findings, to facilitate the court's understanding of firearms evidence.

  • Respond to requests for assistance to advise on firearms issues.

  • Brief attorney, criminal justice personnel, and judicial staffs on firearm comparison findings.

  • Maintain electronic/hardcopy firearm files.

  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Considerable knowledge of advanced firearm comparison techniques.

  • Considerable knowledge of the history of forensic firearm science.

  • Working knowledge of chemical analysis techniques in firearms and related examinations.

  • Skill in making creditable presentations as an expert witness in court.

  • Skill in evaluating firearms, firearm components and ammunition.

  • Ability to prioritize work.

  • Ability to follow established procedures.

  • Ability to work effectively with others.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

  • Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.

  • Ability and willingness to work with minute details over long time periods.

  • Ability to maintain technical expertise.

  • Ability to use a computer and related software.

  • Ability to handle confidential information.

  • Ability to maintain work related records and prepare reports.

Working Conditions

  • Working within a forensic laboratory environment within a law enforcement agency.

  • Working with items of evidentiary value, which may contain body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen) that have been processed with chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic or toxic.

  • Working with firearms, to include loading/unloading, firing and dismantling which may have exposure to loud noise.

  • Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or microscope.

  • May be required to engage in light physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight from 5 to 10 pounds).

  • May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Education & Experience

  • A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate.

  • Four years of experience in firearms examination with a law enforcement agency.

OR

  • An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

  • Three years of experience in firearms examination with a law enforcement agency.

OR

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

  • Two years of experience in firearms examination with a law enforcement agency.

Additional Job Requirements

  • Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.

  • Employees are required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.

  • No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff's Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.

  • No illegal drug sale within lifetime.

  • No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.

  • No felony convictions within lifetime.

  • No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.

  • No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

  • Successful completion of a background investigation including criminal, reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; polygraph; medical evaluation; and drug screening.

The duties and responsibilities on this job description represent the essential functions that an employee must be able to satisfactorily perform with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations shall be made upon request to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue agency hardship. The Sheriff’s Office retains the right to change or assign other duties to this job as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A membership or certification from the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners.

Last updated: 3/31/2024