Firearms Examiner

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inventories, documents, evaluates and tests fires various types of firearms.
• Evaluates and microscopically examines fired evidence components.
• Cleans and restores firearm serial numbers.
• Performs distance determination cases.
• Issues reports reflecting results of the examination.
• Conducts laboratory examination responsibilities including:
• Evaluation and testing of various types of firearms.
• Moderately complex and complex analysis of submitted firearms and firearms-related evidence.
• Technical and administrative reviews of casework to ensure compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards.
• Expert testimony in the discipline of Firearms Identification.
• Reviews NIBIN correlations; provides expert testimony; provides technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys.
• Trains new employees; develops and validates new test methods and instrumentation.
• Provides technical assistance to police officers, the District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement personnel.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science (e.g. Biology, Physics).
• Completed a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college level statistics course from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
• Successfully completed a training program equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner’s (AFTE) Training Manual in addition to requisite proficiency in microscopic examinations, or the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA) supplemented by sufficient comparative microscopy experience, or training of similar structure at another laboratory.
• Forensic Analyst Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission is required; licensure must be maintained for the duration of the employment.
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Must complete training program to become authorized to access the IBIS/NIBIN network.
• Must have capable eyesight to evaluate test fired bullets and cartridge cases.
• Pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good communication skills for frequent testimony and participation in accreditation reviews and symposia/seminars.
• Ability to understand and use statistics as they apply or will apply to firearms examinations and comparisons.
• Computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Education

• Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements of ANSI - ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program and ISO 17025:2017 is required.
• AFTE certification in Firearms Examination is strongly preferred.
• AFTE certification must be obtained within one (1) year of eligibility and must comply with State of Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure requirements.

Preferences

• Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements of ANSI - ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program and ISO 17025:2017 is required.
• AFTE certification in Firearms Examination is strongly preferred.
• AFTE certification must be obtained within one (1) year of eligibility and must comply with State of Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure requirements.