Job Description

Forensic Examiner - Trace

RECRUITMENT ONLY

PURPOSE: Serve as Senior Forensic Examiner to perform all types of toolmark examinations; stays abreast of the latest research to determine the best analytical methods to examine evidence; conducts examinations of highly complex and unique evidence; and composes a variety of reports and scientific papers. Initiates, performs and oversees examinations of a wide-variety of materials using one or more specialized forensic science disciplines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Provides forensic analysis of evidence in cases involving multiple submissions where inter-comparison of evidence is necessary. Coordinates with outside government agencies as necessary to facilitate forensic examinations in complex cases. Participates in liaison and meetings with officials from outside agencies to coordinate cases of mutual interest.

• Initiates and performs the full range of analytic procedures in a forensic laboratory and field laboratory or similar settings. Procedures include examinations to identify and characterize complex evidence and provide findings in a clear and concise manner. Examination process includes the preparation of sample/s, selecting and entering instrument settings, performing scientific analyses, and tabulating results. Coordinates as necessary with outside laboratories and/or other agencies and industry.

• Utilizes and modifies as necessary a variety of highly complex scientific equipment and procedures in order to obtain detailed and sometimes obscure characteristics of a wide-variety of unique evidentiary materials. Interprets findings to allow non-scientific end users to incorporate scientific findings into operations, research, and additional analysis.

• Adapts and develops standard methods and techniques in order to identify critical characteristics of evidence. Identifies and initiates appropriate steps to solve a variety of analytical problems. Performs transfer of technology, methods development and validation. Identifies research requirements to enhance examination methods and coordinates with the client's. Stays abreast of the latest research/developments in scientific methods to identify solutions to complex problems.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Prepares and furnishes authoritative oral and written reports to facilitate investigative, intelligence, prosecution and other functions that support mission requirements.

• Provides authoritative support to the client and other components within a multi-agency activity. Capable of describing detailed findings to FBI and outside scientists. May provide training regarding the analytical process and related functions consistent with the needs of the client. Presents court testimony regarding examination of evidence to support mission requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/college with twenty four (24) credit hours in physical or life sciences (chemistry, biology, geology, etc.) and prefer a minimum of ten (10) years recent experience as a certified Forensic Examiner in an accredited laboratory. For three of the five (5) years immediately prior to applying for the specific contract position, the individual must have 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capability; or 3) be a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas. These individuals must, however, be United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Certified by an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Laboratory as a Toolmark Examiner preferred. Must have professional, extensive knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of microscopic and technical techniques in order to analyze complex materials; and to adapt and develop analytical and/or technical procedures. Must have knowledge of forensic laboratory case working procedures, quality control and safety procedures. Must be able to ensure that examinations are consistent with accepted protocols and that casework is properly coordinated with other forensic specialties. Must have oral and written communications skills to communicate results of analytical analyses. Must have knowledge of legal procedures and rules of evidence to handle evidence appropriately and provide effective testimony. Must be capable of acquiring in-depth understanding and working knowledge of FBI regulations, guidelines, and procedures to perform analyses and administrative functions within. Experience in using laboratory equipment and techniques involving toolmarks and firearms, bullets, cartridges and related material.