SENIOR FIREARMS EXAMINER

21852

(Non-Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for supervising the staff and technical aspects of the firearms section and possibly other sections of the laboratory. Under the general direction of the Director of Laboratories, an employee in this class is responsible for supervising, training and performing work varying in complexity and responsibility in the area of forensic firearms analysis. The work is performed in accordance with Federal and State accreditation guidelines and departmental procedure manuals and guidelines. Supervision is exercised over personnel within the Criminalistics section. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervise and assign work to personnel within section.

Conduct complex scientific analysis of evidentiary material related to firearms examination.

Perform technical peer review of casework in appropriate discipline.

Perform administrative review of casework.

Responsible for analyzing productivity and making recommendations regarding staffing levels and resource allocation.

Perform quality control and quality audit related tasks including internal, external and/or blind proficiency tests; assists in the review and preparation of proficiency tests.

Develops/directs development of new laboratory methods and procedures used within the section.

Directs the training of new examiners.

Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding laboratory analysis and the significance of results.

Researches technical journals, textbooks, chemical manuals and other source material to determine the best methods of performing analytical testing and to remain abreast of scientific trends.

Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the design, construction and operation of firearms, various types of ammunition and microscopic ballistic comparisons.

Thorough knowledge of the safe operation of firearms.

Thorough knowledge of tool manufacture as it applies to the identification of tools and marks.

Thorough knowledge of operations and activities of forensic forearms analysis.

Ability to analyze and evaluate information and to construct logical conclusions.

Ability to make sound judgments.

Ability to interpret laboratory analysis techniques, procedures and theories orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner so that the non-scientist may understand the significance of the results obtained utilizing these procedures.

Ability to supervise the work of subordinates.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or closely related field and six (6) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent as a forensic examiner in the discipline of Firearms.

NOTE: Education may be substituted for experience as follows:

A Master’s Degree or a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in a natural science, forensic science, criminalistics or a closely related field can be substituted for one (1) year of the required work experience

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

Applicants will be required to undergo a State and national criminal history background investigation which will include a fingerprint check to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification

2/2009 Date Revised