Forensic Scientist II or III (Firearms Examiner), Grade 22 or 25

Forensic Scientist II or III (Firearms Examiner), Grade 22 or 25

Join to apply for the Forensic Scientist II or III (Firearms Examiner), Grade 22 or 25 role at Montgomery County Government.

About The Position

The anticipated salary range for this role upon hire:

Forensic Scientist II, Grade 22: $73,569 - $108,273

Forensic Scientist III, Grade 25: $83,556 - $134,086

Who We Are

Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. Established in 1922, it provides service to a county with a population of over one million people.

Who We Are Looking For

The MCPD is seeking an accomplished and dynamic forensic science professional to serve as a Forensic Scientist, Firearms Examiner, in the Firearms Examination Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division. This is a bench scientist role.

About The Forensic Science And Evidence Management Division (FSEMD)

Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.

Position Requirements

This position will be filled within the range of Forensic Scientist II or Forensic Scientist III based on prior experience and training. Subsequent promotion from Forensic Scientist II to Forensic Scientist III is non-competitive and based on experience. Please see below required and preferred criteria for each level and be certain to address all required and preferred criteria for the level to which you are applying.

Why Join MCPD?

As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

What You'll Be Doing

• Apply forensic science principles in the examination of firearms, toolmarks, and serial number restorations associated with routine and complicated police investigations involving firearms and firearm-related evidence.
• Conduct microscopic comparisons of evidence and known specimens for source identification.
• Test firearms for function, operability, and safety.
• Perform NIBIN screening, entry, and correlations.
• Restore obliterated serial numbers.
• Plan and carry out assignments with full technical responsibility for the work.
• Work with investigative officers, state’s attorneys, crime scene unit personnel, and law enforcement representatives, providing expert court testimony and technical information.
• Observe strict safety precautions, especially when handling chemicals, firearms, and exposure to lead and residues from blood and body fluids.

Performance of the work may involve occasional exposure to elevated noise levels and lead residues, occasional long periods of standing while conducting examinations at laboratory counters, and lifting and carrying weapons and ammunition boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Forensic Scientist II - Grade 22

• Two (2) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, and related evidence as a firearms examiner.
• Qualification to conduct casework by an accredited laboratory.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Forensic Scientist III - Grade 25

• Four (4) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, and related evidence as a firearms examiner.
• Up to two years of training within the discipline of firearms examination may count toward the four-year requirement.
• Qualification to conduct casework by an accredited laboratory for a minimum of two years as a firearms examiner completing comparative work.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

Forensic Scientist II

• Previously qualified in court as an expert in firearms examination.
• Currently or previously NIBIN certified.

Forensic Scientist III

• Previously qualified in court as an expert in firearms and/or toolmarks examination.
• Experience with Daubert hearings.
• Currently or previously NIBIN certified.
• Experience assisting with project development and/or validation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants irrespective of any prior temporary promotion or such. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this position.

Montgomery County Government is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring accommodation should email . MCG also provides hiring preferences to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. Refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference for more information.

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses, along with their resume, will be evaluated to determine minimum qualifications.

Montgomery County Ethics Law: Employees are subject to ethics law requiring advanced approval of outside employment and prohibitions on certain outside employment. Additional information can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code and the Ethics Commission website.

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries

Government Administration

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