Criminalist Firearms Examiner I

City of Aurora; United States; Sur place; USD 75 000 - 94 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive pay

Light rail nearby

On-site fitness center

Educational programs

Innovation workspaces

Strong retirement plan

Résumé du poste

The City of Aurora is seeking a Firearms Examiner I to perform forensic analysis of firearm evidence and sustain casework from initial processing to reporting. You will work under supervision to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance with ISO/17025 standards.

Education required is a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or related field. The role offers a comprehensive benefit package and the opportunity to contribute to public safety in the Aurora community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a physical or natural science, or directly related field, from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: No experience required
• Preferred Qualifications: Coursework or internship focused on Firearms and Toolmarks; NIBIN training or Firearms and Toolmarks examination experience

Responsabilités

• Analyzes forensic evidence through firearms examination methods.
• Completes casework on simple to moderate firearm evidence under supervision.
• Maintains chain of custody and documents evidence per lab procedures.
• Performs instrument maintenance and quality checks.
• Generates reports and testifies as an expert witness when needed.

Connaissances

Firearms examination

Documentation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science

Outils

BrassTrax

Matchpoint

Microscopy

NIBIN knowledge

Description du poste

Job Location

JOB LOCATION 8555 Double Helix Ct Englewood, Colorado 80112-7170 City of Aurora, Colorado

It 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, Professionality, 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 day

• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

Salary: $75,267 - $94,083 annually.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Firearms Examiner I performs analysis of forensic evidence through a variety of methods related to Firearms examinations.
• Completes 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 maintained.
• Prepares reagents/standards used for processing and verifies their performance.
• Maintains Firearms Unit reference collections and orders materials.
• Performs basic instrument maintenance and quality checks.
• Ensures quality of work and maintains compliance with ISO 17025:2017 standards.
• Performs mechanical function examinations of pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns and safely test fires firearms.
• Performs 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 leads.
• Performs serial number restorations.
• Examines firearms and related evidence to include fired cartridge cases, fired shot shells, shotshell components, bullets and unfired ammunition.
• Evaluates 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 firearm.
• Generates well‑documented casework consistent with forensic laboratory standards and accreditation requirements.
• Issues reports regarding analysis of evidence.
• Testifies as an expert witness in municipal, state and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis.
• Performs verifications, technical and administrative reviews of casework.
• Participates in continuing education relevant to Firearms Examination.
• Successfully complete comprehensive training program (~2 years) prior to authorization as an independent Firearms examiner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An 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 required

Preferred Qualifications: Coursework or internship focused on Firearms and Toolmarks-specific applications Completed training in NIBIN or Firearms and Toolmarks examination at an accredited laboratory Knowledge: General knowledge of scientific procedures and equipment used in firearms examination General knowledge of safe chemical handling practices and firearm safety General knowledge of investigative methods and techniques General knowledge of rules of evidence and court testimony General knowledge of accreditation requirements and forensic testing standards Skills: Strong analytical, documentation and communication skills Basic application of analytical instrumentation and microscopy Effective explanation of scientific matters and forensic findings to peers, law enforcement, and the court Abilities: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective working relationships Use critical thinking and sound reasoning Organize and prioritize work Work independently of direct supervision

Licenses and Certifications Required: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License

WORKING CONDITIONS Essential 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 time Frequent Hand/eye coordination to operate computer, laboratory instruments and other testing instruments Infrequent Foot/eye coordination to operate motor vehicle Occasional standing/walking Visual acuity correctable to 20/40 with no color impairment to interpret data Speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with other employees and citizens

Work Environment: Works primarily in an office/laboratory environment Exposure to biohazard contamination, chemicals, odors and noise Equipment 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 systems Fume hood, balances, microscopes, stage micrometers, remote firing devices and bullet recovery equipment, scanner This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

The 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.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
• Growing city and employee population
• Competitive total compensation package
• Rich benefits package with low employee costs
• Generous paid leave program 100% funded
• Employee and Family Care Leave Program
• Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
• Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
• Continued education and career advancement opportunities
• Learn more about city of Aurora benefits

Notice Regarding Automated Processing and Fraud Prevention As part of our recruiting and application security processes, we may use automated tools and technologies to help detect fraudulent activity, protect applicant accounts, and support the administration of employment applications. These tools may collect and process information associated with your application activity, including: Number of job requisitions applied to External application session duration Geolocation country code IP address Device/browser fingerprinting information (including JA4 fingerprint data) This information may be used by Workday’s Fraudulent Job Application Prevention capabilities to generate an application risk or fraud assessment score. These tools are designed to support application security, fraud prevention, and recruiting operations and may be considered during the processing or review of applications. Meaningful human review remains part of our hiring and recruiting process. For additional information regarding our processing of applicant information, please review our Privacy Notice or contact [e-mail].

Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment.

City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. Applicants who hold a Commercial Driver’s License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. The city of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The city of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The city shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the city shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy.

If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303.739.7225 or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012.