Firearm/Toolmaker Examiner

Responsibilities

• Examine evidence and forensic materials and render all items safe.
• Examine evidence items for any signs indicating make, model, modifications, place of origin, manufacturer or maker, and serial numbers.
• Examine evidence items for unique or indicative tool marks, using magnification, etching, x-ray, and/or photographic techniques to best exploit the evidence items.
• Use photographic equipment to capture still images of each evidence item and relevant key portions of the evidence item, or other exhibits, to support further analysis, conclusions, and documentation.
• Utilize and submit to national databases.
• Perform forensic examination of tool marks on a wide variety of weapons and IED related evidence.
• Produce detailed notes and reports.
• Perform technical and administrative reviews (AR/TR) of other examiners' casework.
• Perform quality checks of instruments and reagents.
• Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of laboratory experience performing firearms and toolmark evidence comparison and analysis.
• A bachelor’s degree in a scientific field from an accredited university but extensive, closely related work experience may be used in lieu of a degree.
• A master’s degree in forensic or physical sciences, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Safe firearm handling to include firearm maintenance, gunsmithing, reloading, ballistic performance, bullet casting, shotgun patterning, and firearm manufacturing methods.
• Techniques to visualize, evaluate and compare firearms, bullets and cartridge cases.
• Use of microscopes and measuring devices for comparison of ammunition components, firearms, and various toolmarks.
• Performance of serial number restoration.
• Experience in technical and administrative case file review.
• Have 20/20 vision or correctable 20/20 vision with no detected color vision deficiencies.
• Able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance. (Please note: US citizenship is required to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance).
• Able to obtain a US passport.
• Able to complete and pass a medical assessment per customer requirements.

Desired

• Previous experience supporting the Forensic Exploitation Department (FXD) is highly preferred.
• Top Secret Clearance.