FIREARMS ANALYST Durham Police Department - Forensic Services Division Position to be filled no earlier than 1/1/14 Hiring Range:

$41,071 - $49,285 annually Position Summary A Firearms Analyst is a technical and professional position responsible for the processing, analyzing, comparing and evaluation of physical evidence related to firearm and toolmark identification in an ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/FQS accredited crime laboratory. The primary responsibilities of this position are to conduct scientific examinations of firearms and identify the microscopic markings left on physical evidence collected during criminal investigations. These examinations include but are not limited to photography, serial number restoration, function testing and distance determination, toolmark collection and comparison. This position maintains department databases and completes data entry and retrieval. Submits findings to other laboratories or Firearms Examiner for verification of results. Prepares documentation and reports on the results of the collection and analysis of evidence. Testifies in court concerning lab work and general firearms information and examination methodology. Performs complex shooting reconstruction of crime scenes out in the field and in the lab as necessary and assists in training other department personnel in the methods of firearms collection, processing and examination. Attends training as necessary and works towards professional certification as a Firearms Examiner. The Firearms Analyst is a non-sworn classification assigned to the Forensic Services Division in the Durham Police Department Investigative Services Bureau. Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in implementing established work methods and procedures. Supervision is received from the Forensic Services Manager or designee who reviews work through reports, observations of work in progress, and overall results achieved. The work requires exposure to dangerous chemicals, firearms and evidence that may be biohazardous and carcinogenic. Incumbents in this class may be required to use a respirator when these elements are present. A Firearms Analyst will normally work 8-hour shifts, but may be required to work overtime due to the workload and priority casework. This position is subject to priority call-out, court standby, and out-of-town training. A pager/phone must be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless on approved leave. This class is FLSA nonexempt. QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Coursework in Photography, Criminalistics, Firearms Identification, and Physical Science (Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Forensic Science) is mandatory. An Associates Degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Chemistry or a closely related field is mandatory. Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college/university in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice or a related field. Applicants must have at least three years of experience as a full-time, paid, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Analyst, or another similar position which qualifies them with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job functions. Preference will be given to applicants currently qualified as a Firearms Analyst/Examiner as stated by the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) and the Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN). Applicants not currently qualified under these guidelines must be eligible for qualification and certification after mandatory training and may receive a lower starting salary. Special Requirements: Must possess a valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License by hire date. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required. Must be able to qualify to use protective respirator equipment and learn to recognize and operate all types of firearms. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation, drug test and medical examination.
Individuals selected for conditional offers of employment must pass the City of Durham physical examination including drug and alcohol testing. A driver's history check is conducted for applicants applying for jobs requiring a valid North Carolina Driver's License and/or CDL. This Agency Seeks Diversity in the Workplace. The City of Durham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. To complete the job application and to learn more, please go to http://ww2.durhamnc.gov/employment/cityjobs.cfm