Forensic Scientist I - Firearms

Position Description
**Forensic Scientist Trainee, I, and II – Firearms job announcements are open simultaneously. As an applicant, you may only apply for one position, either Forensic Scientist Trainee, Forensic Scientist I, or Forensic Scientist II. Based on the minimum qualifications set forth below. If you have no full-time professional Firearms experience, please apply for Trainee. If you have more than two years, but less than four years
of full-time professional Firearms experience, please apply for level I. If you have four or more years of professional Firearms experience working in a forensic laboratory, please apply for level II. If you apply for multiple positions, you will be contacted to choose which ONE testing process matches your experience.**
 

This recruitment is limited to the first 200 applications received from qualified applicants, and the closing date may be adjusted if the application limit is reached prior to the posted closing date. Before applying, please ensure that you are available to complete the entire testing process, per the dates on this posting.
 

Salary Information
The salary for this position is negotiated through a collective bargaining agreement. All new employees will be hired at the minimum salary in the range and will be eligible for merit increases until reaching the maximum salary in the range.
 

Starting Annual Salary as a Forensic Scientist I: $77,228.74

Definition
Incumbents perform a variety of scientific laboratory examinations and analyses on physical evidence in the Firearms Detail of the Forensic Laboratory, interpret test results, formulate conclusions, and prepare reports. Incumbents also provide scientific assistance to external parties and testify in court as an expert witness.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the apprentice level class in the Forensic Scientist series. As an apprentice, an incumbent learns, and performs with guidance, the essential functions in the Firearms Detail of the Forensic Laboratory in order to acquire the proficiency expected of a Forensic Scientist II.
 

Minimum Qualifications/Position-Specific Conditions
Training, Education and Experience

• Two years of full-time forensic scientist professional work experience in firearms.
  A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical or biological science, or a forensic science related field. Applicants MUST attach a copy of their LEGIBLE transcript(s), which demonstrates proof of educational requirements, to their application at the time of submission. Failure to attach a legible transcript will result in automatic disqualification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Nevada driver license.
• Be a citizen/naturalized citizen or permanent resident alien without conditions on status of the United States of America by the date of the first test instrument
• Be at least 18 years old by the date of the first test instrument.

Best Candidates Will Have

• Three of more years of full-time experience as a Forensic Scientist in firearm analysis.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness in courts of law.
  Participation in a formal evidentiary hearing regarding admissibility of firearm evidence.
• Experience working in an accredited forensic laboratory.
  Familiarity with the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation program.
• Experience with NIBIN databases.
• Experience using Microsoft computer software.
• Training classes and conference attendance regarding firearm analysis.
• Knowledge of the current trends in firearm technology and methodology as well as new and theoretical approaches to firearm identification.