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NASSAU COUNTYTitle:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS/
BALLISTICS)
Code:630366 2SG
CLASS SPECIFICATIONPage:1 of 3

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is the senior level of the Forensic Scientist (Firearms/Toolmarks/Ballistics) series. The work involves responsibility for supervising the Firearms unit, and processing items of physical evidence for the purpose of firearms, ammunition, and tool mark identification and analysis using various physical and chemical methods. This position differs from Forensic Scientist III (Firearms/Toolmarks/Ballistics) in that the incumbents in this position exercise supervision, and establish policy and procedures for the unit. General supervision is received from the Director of Laboratories; performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES
1.Manages and monitors all aspects of quality assurance for the unit.
2.Supervises and oversees all examinations conducted and all employees of the unit.
3.Reviews case files, reports and findings of Forensic Scientists (Firearms/Toolmarks/Ballistics).
4.Investigates technical problems and proposes remedial action.
5.Maintains and updates quality manual and procedures for the unit.
6.Conducts research, method development, and validation of new technical procedures, and oversees the implementation of these procedures.
7.
Performs complex examinations on clothing, bedding and other surfaces for the presence of gunshot residues or powder patterns.
8.
Performs complex examinations and comparisons of firearms, bullets, shells, casings and other related weapons, and determines and records physical parameters using measuring projections, micrometers and other equipment.
9.Performs complex tool mark examinations.
10.Disassembles, reassembles, makes safe and tests firearms to determine their operability, safety and accuracy.
11.Performs data entry of firearms related data and images of fired evidence ammunition components into a computerized digital imaging system and is responsible for the management of database records.
12.Performs complex chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers and other markings on weapons.
13.
Meets with attorneys, investigators and other related personnel regarding approaches to analysis and results in pretrial conferences.
14.
Participates in scientific meetings, seminars, and other training as assigned.
15.
Interprets test results, keeps records of observations and notes, and issues reports of test results.

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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS/
Code:630366 2SG
Page:2 of 2

TYPICAL DUTIES (Continued)
16.
Testifies in court regarding laboratory analyses and the significance of the results as required.
17.
Performs housekeeping tasks as required, including maintaining firearms related supplies and reference materials.
18.Trains or oversees training for subordinate laboratory personnel and maintains training records.
19.Responsible for the inventory, maintenance, storage, and disposition of evidence.
20.
Participates in internal and external proficiency testing programs.
21.
May perform photography using digital and conventional photographic equipment, and assists in the interpretation of computerized digital image correlation.
22.May administer internal proficiency testing, evaluate results and recommend training to improve the quality of laboratory staff.

*ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1.
Comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment related to forensic firearms examination.
2.
Comprehensive knowledge of the design, construction and operation of firearms and the various types of ammunition.
3.
Comprehensive knowledge of the safe operation of firearms.
4.Comprehensive knowledge of microscopy, especially comparative techniques.
5.Comprehensive knowledge of the penal law as it applies to weapons evidence.
6.Comprehensive knowledge of the use and operation of a computerized digital imaging and inventory system used in the laboratory.
7.Skill in the use of laboratory equipment related to firearms analysis.
8.Skill in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to firearms analysis.
9.Ability to apply scientific procedures, methodology, and formulas to assigned work.
10.Ability to supervise others.
11.Ability to analyze and evaluate information and observations, and to arrive at and construct logical and sound conclusions.
12.Ability to explain laboratory analysis techniques, procedures and theories in a clear and concise manner so that non-scientists may understand the significance of the results obtained using these procedures.
13.Ability to operate a computer in the performance of duties, including accurately entering firearms related data and use of computerized digital imaging system.
14.Ability to manage data base records and maintain accurate records.
15.Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory equipment.

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Title:FORENSIC SCIENTIST IV (FIREARMS/TOOLMARKS/
Code:630366 2SG
Page:3 of 3


FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Continued)
16.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
17.Ability to prepare and deliver legal testimony accurately and be cross-examined and remain composed in court.
18.Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
19.Good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience
1.Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Master's Degree, which must have included at least twelve (12) credit hours in one of the natural sciences, forensic sciences or engineering sciences, with five (5) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory which must have included the examination of firearms;
OR
2.Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, which must have included at least twelve (12) credit hours in one of the natural sciences, forensic sciences or engineering sciences, with six (6) years of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory which must have included the examination of firearms;
OR
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience that is defined by the limits of (1) and (2) above.
NOTE:Incumbents must pass a competency test prior to assuming casework responsibility, and must pass a proficiency test annually, in accordance with accreditation requirements.

Additional continuing education and training may be required as condition of employment.

8/13/09
584/09
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