Firearms Examiner

Harris County Institute Of Forensic Sciences

The mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

The vision is to provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community. To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings. To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Duties and responsibilities include: inventorying, documenting, evaluating, and testing various types of firearms; conducting laboratory examinations; performing analysis of firearms and firearms-related evidence; conducting technical and administrative reviews of casework; providing expert testimony in the discipline of Firearms Identification; reviewing NIBIN correlations; providing technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys; training new employees; developing and validating new test methods and instrumentation; and providing technical assistance to police officers, the District Attorney's Office, and other law enforcement personnel.

Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or a related natural science is required. Must have completed a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college level statistics course from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Applicants are required to submit an academic transcript with application. Official certified original transcripts will be required prior to job offer.

Training/Licensures: Successful completion of a training program equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner's (AFTE) Training Manual in addition to requisite proficiency in microscopic examinations, or the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA) supplemented by sufficient comparative microscopy experience, or training of similar structure at another laboratory. Forensic Analyst Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission will be required; licensure must be maintained for the duration of the employment. Must comply with State of Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure requirements within one year of hire. Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Additional requirements include: completing a training program to become authorized to access the IBIS/NIBIN network; having capable eyesight to evaluate test fired bullets and cartridge cases; passing a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment).

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: good communication skills for frequent testimony and participation in accreditation reviews and symposia/seminars; ability to understand and use statistics as they apply to firearms examinations and comparisons; computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. Only information stated on the application will be used for consideration.

Position type and typical hours of work: Full time; 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Weekend and evening shifts may be necessary.

Physical demands include: standing, walking, running, talking, and hearing; physical strength to lift and handle large and heavy items weighing up to forty (40) pounds in the routine performance of duties; ability to safely test fire all types of firearms on a routine basis; ability to work for extended periods of time while seated at a computer and/or comparison microscope.

Reporting relationships: Reports to: Director, Firearms Identification.

Routine external contacts: Law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, educators, and peers during professional training or participation in accreditation or certification visits.

Location: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054.