FORENSIC SCIENTIST I (FIREARMS) 2266

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class identifies and analyzes various types of firearms, ammunition, tools and tool marks to determine such facts as the type and operability of weapons, projectile velocity and the origin of tool marks. The work involves the use and routine maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. The incumbent may be required to issue reports and give sworn testimony in legal proceedings. The incumbent may be assigned to a team which responds to crime scenes. Routine work is performed with some independence, but more complex assignments may be performed under direct supervision, depending on the level of difficulty. Work is reviewed by a technical or administrative supervisor through conferences and a review of reports issued. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Performs routine examinations of clothing, bedding and other surfaces for the presence of gunshot residues or powder patterns;

Examines all types of firearms for identification and documentation;

Disassembles, reassembles and test-fires weapons to determine their operability, safety and accuracy;

Examines ammunition, spent bullets and casings, and determines and records their physical parameters using measuring projectors, micrometers and other equipment;

Measures projectile velocities using chronographic techniques;

Chemically restores obliterated serial numbers and other markings;

Compares ammunition and tool markings with available exemplars;

Issues signed reports of test results;

May review reports of varying complexities for correct organization, structure, and format (“Administrative Review”);

May review reports of a level-appropriate complexity for validity of analyses performed (“Technical Review”);

Responds to crime scenes and participates in the documentation and collection of evidence from the scene;

May receive, store and release evidence;

Interprets test results and keeps records of observations;

Performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;

May testify at a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;

May oversee the work of subordinate laboratory personnel;

May wash glassware and perform other housekeeping tasks;

Participates in quality assurance activities and proficiency testing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of microscopy, especially comparative techniques; good knowledge of the design, construction and operation of firearms and the types of ammunition; good knowledge of the safe operation of firearms; good knowledge of tool manufacture as it applies to the identification of tools and tool marks; good knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment; good knowledge of penal laws as they apply to weapons evidence; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex electronic laboratory equipment; ability to make accurate observations and arrive at sound conclusions; patience; persistence; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master’s Degree in one of the natural or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in chemistry, and one (1) year of professional* experience in forensic firearms examinations; or

b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the natural or forensic sciences, including or supplemented by sixteen (16) credit hours in chemistry, and two (2) years of professional* experience in forensic firearms examination; or,

c) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and three (3) years of professional* experience in forensic firearms examination.

NOTE: *Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence and the signing and issuing of reports. Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last eight (8) years.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

Candidates will be subject to a background investigation.

R 5/10/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive