Firearms Examiner

Center for Digital Governmtent; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Anne Arundel County Police Department seeks a Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner to conduct comprehensive firearms, toolmark, and fracture identifications in a forensic laboratory setting. You will testify as an expert witness and work with national databases and regulatory standards.

Preferred candidates hold AFTE certification and have experience with NIBIN and microscopic comparisons; a BS in a physical or biological science is required, plus a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or physical science required; related fields accepted.
• AFTE certification as firearms and toolmark examiner required.
• Valid non-commercial Class C driver's license.
• Two+ years in criminal justice or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct firearms, toolmark, and fracture analyses using validated techniques.
• Prepare and present firearm examination results as an expert witness in court.
• Assist prosecutors and other agencies; maintain documentation and chain of custody.

Skills

Firearms examination

Toolmark examination

Court testimony

Microscopy

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological or physical science

AFTE certification

Driver's license (Class C)

Tools

NIBIN

Microscopes

Forensic imaging

Job description

Position Description

NOTE: The salary range listed in this announcement reflects the offer range for this position. Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. A highly qualified candidate will be eligible for a rate of pay 50% above the minimum starting salary.

NOTE: The starting minimum salary will increase on, July 1, 2026 to: $70,681 annually.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence. We uphold the public trust by being honest and maintaining the highest standards of ethical and moral character.

This posting will be used to fill a Fulltime, Permanent, Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner position within the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

It is professional and technical work in the forensic examination areas of firearms, toolmark and fracture identification, serial number restoration, and gunshot residue/distance analysis for the Police Department. The position serves as a court qualified expert witness in the field of firearms and toolmark examination.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

An employee in this classification works in a forensic laboratory setting and is responsible for conducting examinations using validated forensic techniques related to firearms and toolmarks, including precise and accurate microscopic comparative examinations; testing of firearms for proper function and safety; classification identification of firearms based on fired projectiles, restoration of obliterated serial numbers; and utilization of a national ballistic evidence data base.

An employee in this classification performs work under general supervision with considerable independence within established policies, regulations, and technical guidelines for firearms examinations.

The employees workplace will be located at the new Anne Arundel County Forensic Services Laboratory.

Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimal qualifications and salary level for this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of the class.)

• Conduct forensic examinations in the areas of firearms, toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue/distance analysis, and fracture identification, to include chemical examination.
• Work is performed with independence, but within the established policies and procedures set forth by the Maryland Department of Health and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) ISO 17025 for the Firearms Examiner discipline.
• Enter and analyze computer data to include the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
• Conduct forensic image analysis.
• Testify in court as an expert witness.
• Assist other forensic units, prosecutors, and allied agencies. Perform related duties as required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, general orders, principles and practices governing firearms and tool mark examination.
• Considerable knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in courts.
• Considerable knowledge of different firearms and ammunition.
• Considerable knowledge of standard techniques utilized to classify and identify firearms.
• Considerable knowledge of standard techniques utilized to conduct microscopic comparisons of firearms and toolmark related evidence.
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to firearms, toolmark and fracture identification.
• Knowledge of proper format for departmental correspondence.
• Skilled in the operation laboratory equipment, especially microscopes.
• Ability to handle firearms in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.
• Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with county officials, law enforcement officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in biological or physical science; two (2) or more years of experience in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field. Completion of a training program providing original certification by the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) as a firearms and toolmark examiner; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: The bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological or physical science may be substituted with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.

Notes

This is a Safety-Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• Experience providing expert witness testimony in court.
• Experience working a primary examiner conducting examinations of firearms, cartridge cases, bullets and related evidence in an accredited agency.
• Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network.
• Experience utilizing a comparison microscope in examining bullets and fired cartridge cases.
• Medical/Health Insurance Plans
  • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
  • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
• Dental Insurance
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
  • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
• Vision Insurance
  • EyeMed
• Employee Life Insurance
  • Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.
  • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Pension Plan
  • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Holidays
  • Twelve days provided per year, thirteen in general election year
• Annual Leave
  • Less than 3 years - 13 days
  • 3 to less than 15 years - 20 days
  • 15 years or more - 26 days
• Disability Leave
  • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
• Personal Leave Day, 5 per calendar year
• Leave Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits