Forensic Scientist - Firearms & Tool Marks Section

State of Utah; Taylorsville (UT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job Stability

Career Growth

Meaningful Work

Supportive Work Environment

Job summary

Utah State Crime Lab is hiring for the Firearms and Tool Marks section within the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory System. Forensic Scientists perform complex examinations of firearms and related evidence and may present findings in court.

The role includes data entry in NIBIN and contributing to case work across multiple disciplines. Ideal candidates will have a BS in a natural science, experience in accredited labs, and knowledge of evidence handling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science in a natural science or closely related field.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph and drug test.
• Knowledge of evidence handling and chain of custody.
• Experience as a firearms examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Experience in NIBIN acquisitions and correlations.

Responsibilities

• Perform examinations of firearms, ammunition, components, tools, tool marks and related evidence.
• Perform examinations of clothing and surfaces for gunshot residues or powder patterns.
• Perform chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers.
• Determine projectile trajectories and assist investigations with reconstructions.
• Enter and search data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
• Design and conduct experiments related to case issues and report findings in technical reports.
• Present findings in court as an expert witness.
• Senior staff may supervise training, certification-testing programs and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Evidence handling

Chain of custody

NIBIN acquisitions

Forensic firearms exam

Education

BS in Natural Science

Tools

NIBIN software

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site Recruiter – Kelly Chinn | [e-mail] | 801-618-5763 Application Deadline – 8/27/2026*

Utah State Crime Lab

The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory System (aka, the State Crime Lab) was created by the Legislature to provide timely and comprehensive criminalistic services to criminal justice entities within the State of Utah. By statute (53-10-104), the laboratory shall analyze evidence from crime scenes and crime-related incidents for criminal prosecution; and provide criminalistics laboratory services to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys' and agencies, and public defenders...

Firearms and Tool Marks Section

Forensic Scientists in the Firearms and Tool Marks section perform complex forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to the Bureau of Forensic Services related to firearms and tool mark identification.

Principal duties

• Perform examinations of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, tool marks, and other firearms or tool related evidence
• Perform examinations on clothing, and other surfaces for the presence of gunshot residues or powder patterns, and muzzle to target distance determinations
• Perform chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers
• Perform projectile trajectory determinations, reconstructions and diagramming of shooting events, and provide assistance of a technical nature to investigators
• Enter and search data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)
• Design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues
• Present findings in a technical report and verbally in a court of law through expert witness testimony
• Forensic Scientists follow all established protocols and procedures and complete assigned tasks as deemed necessary by the Firearms section manager
• Senior forensic scientists may supervise training or other programs, oversee certification-testing programs, and conduct research and planning in support of laboratory projects and goals. Senior forensic scientists must have completed training and be actively working cases in two or more forensic disciplines and pass annual proficiency tests in these disciplines. Senior forensic scientists are recognized as scientific discipline leaders and are expected to make significant technical contributions to the lab, champion new ideas, build strong internal and external networks, and mentor and develop junior staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in a natural science (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry), Forensic Science, or closely related field (Criminal Justice)
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation as well as a polygraph examination and drug test.

Ideal Candidate

• Will have knowledge of evidence handling, rules of evidence, and chain of custody.
• Will have experience as a firearms examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Will have experience in NIBIN acquisitions and/or correlations.

May be filled with a Forensic Scientist I $32.51/hr, Forensic Scientist II $36.58/hr or Senior Forensic Scientist $41.34/hr depending on experience.

Supplemental Information

Come join the Public Safety Team in Utah! Enjoy building a career in a modern forensic laboratory working with other experienced scientists while enjoying frequent continuing collaborative education. The Utah Department of Public Safety has the only accredited, full-service laboratory in the state of Utah, and has been accredited since 1996. The central crime laboratory is located within 30 minutes of six major ski resorts, world class hiking, rock climbing, and an international airport. The State of Utah boasts 5 National Parks and some of the best mountain biking and off-road vehicle terrain in the country. The Utah Department of Public Safety allows flexible work times to include a 4- 10 work week which would mean an employee could have an extra day to ski the "Greatest Snow On Earth" or enjoy other outdoor activities.

Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

About The Role

Location

4451 S, Constitution Blvd.
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States

Background Check Required – A comprehensive background investigation, which may include a polygraph, may be required.

Drug Test Required – Yes

Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture.

The Agency

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 13 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, Bureau of (EMS), School Safety and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].