Firearms Examiner

Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel; Maryland; On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is seeking a highly qualified Firearms Examiner to perform forensic examinations in firearms, toolmarks, serial number restoration, and gunshot residue/distance analysis. The role includes court testimony as an expert witness and work under general supervision in a new Forensic Services Laboratory.

Candidates must hold AFTE certification, a science degree, and have at least two years in criminal justice or a related field; a valid Class C license is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Physical Science, or related field.
• AFTE certification as firearms and toolmark examiner required.
• 2+ years experience in criminal justice or related field.
• Valid non-commercial Class C driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic examinations of firearms and toolmarks using validated methods.
• Conduct tests for firearm function, class/identify firearms, and restore obliterated serial numbers.
• Enter/analyze data in NIBIN and other databases; testify in court as expert witness.
• Collaborate with prosecutors and allied agencies; follow ISO 17025 guidelines.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological/Physical Science

AFTE firearms and toolmark examiner certification

Class C driver's license

Criminal justice experience (2+ years)

Tools

NIBIN

Comparison microscope

Ballistics imaging software

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.