Posting Details Position Information

Posting Number SF01906 Job Title Criminalist II (Firearms Examiner & Tool Mark Examiner) Position Number 109471 FTE 1.00 FLSA Exempt Position Type Professional Staff Union PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc Pay Grade Level Grade Level: 12 Pay Grade Range Salary Range: $65,980 - $100,314 Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Permanent Department Information

Department State Crime Lab Contact(s) Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Phone/Extension Contact Email Physical Demands Campus Location Kingston Grant Funded No Extension Contingency Notes Job Description Summary The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2025. Applications received after January 31, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston and is close to the ocean and major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. The campus is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston and New York City.
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BASIC FUNCTION:

Using instrumental, physical, or chemical techniques, examine a large variety of firearms, tool marks and other physical evidence submitted to the Crime Laboratory by municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Test fire a large variety of Firearms when necessary. Interpret results of analyses, prepares written reports, and provides expert testimony in court. Work with the Quality Assurance Manager or Officer regarding laboratory quality issues and accreditation matters.

Duties and Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise the following: Uniformed and non-uniformed law enforcement officers in the proper collection and packaging of firearms and tool mark evidence; Graduate and undergraduate students working in the Crime Laboratory; Professional and technical staff in the preparation of reports pertinent to the firearms section of the Laboratory.

Receive physical evidence; review background materials submitted with evidence and pertinent agency regulations and other relevant material.

Study the type of evidence received and the requirements established by the laboratory and determine the general approach necessary for effective examination of the physical evidence.

Research established methodologies and relevant literature to determine applicable methods to be used. Provide or seek advice concerning methodology problems with examiners in other state, local, federal, and private agencies.

Maintain instrumentation and equipment used for the analysis of evidence; recommend analytical equipment needs for the section; evaluate new instrumentation and changes in existing instrumentation.

Perform complex examinations of firearms and tool mark evidence utilizing bullet recovery systems, comparison microscopes, scales, calipers, cameras, and other lab equipment. Such examinations shall include examination and test firing of all types of firearms, comparison of fired bullets and cartridge cases, trigger pull analysis, serial number restoration, and tool mark identification.

Interpret and evaluate examination results to determine their validity, scientific significance, and the evidentiary value that will provide the most information possible.

Prepare written reports stating the results of examinations; testify, when required, as an expert on firearm and tool mark analysis.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in crime scene processing when requested, work with law enforcement and Laboratory personnel regarding evidence procedures.

Communicate the importance of the examinations performed to law enforcement and Laboratory personnel, as well as to other interested individuals or groups.

Train and supervise interns and other Laboratory personnel regarding analytical techniques used for the examination of evidence in the specialty area.

As requested, prepare and present lectures and/or Laboratory tours demonstrating the functions of the Lab.

Maintain routine records pertaining to the firearms section of the Laboratory; participate in periodic audits required for accreditation; prepare periodic statistics on firearms, tool mark and related casework.

Under the direction of the Criminalist II Lead, participate in monthly performance checks on the equipment; perform periodic inventory of the ammunition supplies and maintain the firearms reference collection; assist in updating section procedure & training manuals.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Must possess a valid driver’s license and/or provide own transportation.

Must possess and maintain documented competency in the specialty areas as required by the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard.

Must be able to attain membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)) within one year of appointment.

Required Qualifications REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory OR Associate’s degree with a minimum of ten years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory as a firearms and tool mark examiner.

2. Demonstrated thorough knowledge of the makes, models and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition, including the operation and handling of a large variety of revolvers, pistols, shotguns and rifles.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of firearms and ammunition identification and comparison.

4. Must have the ability to visually distinguish color, shape, size, number, and picture resolution quality.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of the equipment used to test and identify firearms and ammunition.

6. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws governing rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures.

7. Demonstrated Knowledge of Forensic Laboratory standards, such as ISO/IEC: 17025.

8. Demonstrated knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

9. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws governing rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures.

10. Must be capable of being court-qualified as a firearms and tool mark examiner in Rhode Island’s court system.

11. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.

12. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

13. Demonstrated ability to prepare and present detailed studies and reports, including recommendations concerning the substance of the studies and reports.

14. Demonstrated presentation skills.

15. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

16. Must possess a valid driver’s license and/or provide own transportation.

17. Must possess and maintain documented competency in the specialty areas as required by the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard.

18. Must be able to attain membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)) within one year of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications PREFERRED:

1. Training equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner’s (AFTE) Training Manual, or the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA), or similar training.

2. Certification in the specialty area of Firearms and Tool Marks.

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Environmental Conditions This position is subject to inside and outside work; extreme cold and hot temperatures can be encountered. The potential exists where noise and vibrations may be encountered, and the wearing of protective ear and eye wear may be required. May be exposed to organic and inorganic chemicals related to the cleaning and operating of firearms and the restoration of metallic surfaces and low-level radioactive material. May encounter biological fluids and associated biological pathogens, such as Covid-19, hepatitis B and HIV viruses.

Posting Date 01/08/2025 Closing Date Special Instructions to Applicants Please attach the following 3 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter.

(#2) Curriculum Vitae to include specific training in the field of firearm and tool mark examinations.

(#3) Other Document – References – the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application).

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14394 Applicant Documents Required Documents Cover Letter/Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae Other Document - References Optional Documents Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory OR Associate's degree with a minimum of ten years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory as a firearms and tool mark examiner? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated thorough knowledge of the makes, models and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition, including the operation and handling of a large variety of revolvers, pistols, shotguns and rifles? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of firearms and ammunition identification and comparison? Yes No * Do you have the ability to visually distinguish color, shape, size, number, and picture resolution quality? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of the equipment used to test and identify firearms and ammunition? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws governing rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of Forensic Laboratory standards, such as ISO/IEC: 17025? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws governing rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures? Yes No * Are you capable of being court-qualified as a firearms and tool mark examiner in Rhode Island's court system? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated ability to prepare and present detailed studies and reports, including recommendations concerning the substance of the studies and reports? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated presentation skills? Yes No * Do you have demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations? Yes No * Do you possess a valid driver’s license and/or provide own transportation? Yes No * Do you possess and maintain documented competency in the specialty areas as required by the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard? Yes No * Are you able to attain membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)) within one year of appointment? Yes No How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Public Job Posting Internal Job Posting Agency Referral Advertisement/Publication Personal Referral Website Other