Criminalist Firearms Examiner I

City of Aurora, CO; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Aurora, Colorado is seeking a Firearms Examiner I to perform forensic firearm analyses and testify as an expert witness when needed. The role involves handling firearms evidence, maintaining laboratory standards, and contributing to NIBIN-led investigations in a municipal lab setting.

Candidates will work under supervision of experienced examiners, perform 3D topographic scanning with BrassTrax, and ensure compliance with ISO 17025:2017.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, physical or natural science or related field.
• No experience required.
• Coursework or internship focused on Firearms and Toolmarks.
• Completed training in NIBIN or Firearms and Toolmarks examination.

Responsibilities

• Completes casework on simple to moderate firearms evidence under general guidance.
• Documents and protects evidence following laboratory procedures and chain of custody.
• Prepares reagents and standards used for processing and verifies performance.
• Maintains Firearms Unit reference collections and orders materials.
• Performs basic instrument maintenance and quality checks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Documentation

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science

Tools

3D scanning (BrassTrax)

Microscopy

NIBIN

Job description

JOB LOCATION8555 Double Helix Ct Englewood, Colorado 80112-7170City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThe hiring salary range for this position is $75,267 - $94,083 annually.The deadline to submit applications is November 9th, 2026, However, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained.The Firearms Examiner I performs analysis of forensic evidence through a variety of methods related to Firearms examinations.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESCompletes casework on simple to moderate-level firearms evidence under general guidance of experienced examiners and/or the Technical Leader.Documents and protects evidence according to laboratory procedures ensuring that the chain of custody is maintainedPrepares reagents/standards used for processing and verifies their performanceMaintains Firearms Unit reference collections and orders materialsPerforms basic instrument maintenance and quality checksEnsures quality of work and maintains compliance with ISO 17025:2017 standardsPerforms mechanical function examinations of pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns and safely test fires firearmsPerforms 3D topographic scanning (eg. BrassTraxTM) acquisitions of fired cartridge cases for entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)Evaluates image correlation results (eg. Matchpoint+TM) to identify and disseminate NIBIN leadsPerforms serial number restorationsExamines firearms and related evidence to include fired cartridge cases, fired shot shells, shotshell components, bullets and unfired ammunitionEvaluates and microscopically compares fired evidence components from a crime scene to determine which components were fired from the same firearm(s), the number of firearms involved, and/or whether the components were fired from a particular seized firearmGenerates well‑documented casework consistent with forensic laboratory standards and accreditation requirementsIssues reports regarding analysis of evidenceTestifies as an expert witness in municipal, state and federal courts as necessary regarding analysisPerforms verifications, technical and administrative reviews of caseworkParticipates in continuing education relevant to Firearms ExaminationSuccessfully complete comprehensive training program (~2 years) prior to authorization as an independent Firearms examinerPerforms other duties as assignedMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education:Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a physical or natural science, or directly related field, from an accredited college or university.Experience:No experience requiredPreferred Qualifications:Coursework or internship focused on Firearms and Toolmarks-specific applicationsCompleted training in NIBIN or Firearms and Toolmarks examination at an accredited laboratoryKnowledge:General knowledge of scientific procedures and equipment used in firearms examinationGeneral knowledge of safe chemical handling practices and firearm safetyGeneral knowledge of investigative methods and techniquesGeneral knowledge of rules of evidence and court testimonyGeneral knowledge of accreditation requirements and forensic testing standards Skills:Strong analytical, documentation and communication skillsBasic application of analytical instrumentation and microscopyEffective explanation of scientific matters and forensic findings to peers, law enforcement, and the courtAbilities:Communicate effectively both orally and in writingEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsUse critical thinking and sound reasoningOrganize and prioritize workWork independently of direct supervisionLicenses and Certifications Required:Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s LicenseWORKING CONDITIONSEssential Personnel:When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.Physical Demands:Medium work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a timeFrequent Hand/eye coordination to operate computer, laboratory instruments and other testing instrumentsInfrequent Foot/eye coordination to operate motor vehicleOccasional standing/walkingVisual acuity correctable to 20/40 with no color impairment to interpret dataSpeech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with other employees and citizensWork Environment:Works primarily in an office/laboratory environmentExposure to biohazard contamination, chemicals, odors and noiseEquipment Used:Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, word processing, spreadsheets and menu driven databases as a part of the laboratory automated systemsFume hood, balances, microscopes, stage micrometers, remote firing devices and bullet recovery equipment, scannerThis position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employmentThe city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections (HB26‑1283)As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.