at Sedgwick County* in Wichita, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Performs various analytical tests within the Firearms Section related to criminal investigations. Interprets complex data, formulates conclusions, and prepares results of findings to provide an expert opinion in criminal justice proceedings. Adheres to quality control procedures, performs quality assurance verifications, assists with the maintenance and calibrations of laboratory instrumentation, and participates in research and validations as necessary.
Firearms Casework:
- Documents, collects, and preserves physical evidence according to laboratory procedures, to ensure chain of custody is maintained.
- Function test and trouble shoot a wide variety of firearms.
- Safely obtain test fired ammunition components for comparisons.
- Perform serial number restorations.
- Examine, test and analyze submitted bullets, cartridge cases and other ammunition components in an effort to determine source.
- Use a comparison microscope.
- Prepare detailed notes.
- Compose written laboratory reports.
- Interpret laboratory findings and test results from evidentiary material.
- Provide verifications of comparisons for other scientists.
- Perform administrative and technical reviews of case files.
- Confer with law enforcement and/or attorneys pertaining to test results and interpretations.
- Testify as an expert witness in a court of law.
Quality Assurance:
- Follows quality control procedures and ensures all work performed is in accordance with current standard operating procedure and accreditation standards.
- Participates in proficiency test program.
- Prepares reagents and verify/document reagent performance.
- Maintain laboratory equipment per accepted procedures.
- Perform validations/crossover studies as required.
Training:
- Continue to increase level of expertise by attending available training opportunities (professional meetings, current literature, and/or continuing education).
- Provide technical training to staff and new scientists.
- Provide training on the functions of the laboratory to other agencies.
- Provide training to members of the criminal justice community and general interest groups.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two semesters of chemistry. Two years of experience working as a Firearms Examiner. A master’s degree or doctorate in an appropriate field may be substituted for one or two year of experience, respectively.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, forensic science, or a related field.
It is the policy of Sedgwick County not to discriminate in its programs or services, including employment, on the basis of race, color, sex, including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, marital status, religious or political affiliation, genetic information, disability, status as a member of the uniformed services or any other similarly protected status.
Sedgwick County is committed to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to qualified persons with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please contact the Sedgwick County ADA Coordinator at (316) 660-7050, TDD (Kansas Relay at 711 or 800-766-3777). Please do not use this phone number for employment questions. Applicants are contacted only if they are determined to be qualified candidates.
