Salary: $57,252 - $75,894
Position Grade: 13G
Department: Police Department
Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent)
Examination Number: EX1402
Location: Downtown - St. Louis, MO
Incumbents in this position are responsible for conducting forensic examination of firearms to determine if they have been modified from manufacturer’s specifications and securing test shots for comparative purposes.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Examines firearms to properly identify correct make, type, caliber, and serial number of firearms.
- Examines firearms to see if they function, are defective, or have been modified in any way.
- Based on examination, determines if the firearm is safe to be fired
- Test fires firearms to determine if the firearm operates as designed by the manufacturer.
- Examines firearms and creates test shots in attempts to determine if the firearm was used in a specific crime.
- Conducts serial number restorations on defaced firearms, restoring defaced or altered serial numbers.
- Enters test shots and evidence cartridge cases into the NIBIN/IBIS digital imaging system to record and disseminate images, identifying cases where the same firearm was used in different jurisdictions.
- Examines tool marks in attempts to determine what make or type of tool marked the evidence.
- Examines tools and creates test tool marks in attempts to determine if the tool was used in a specific crime.
- Presents lectures and training approved by the Laboratory Director or designee.
- Provides forensic services in the field of Firearms Identification to other law enforcement agencies.
- May perform other similar or related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Firearms, NIBIN/IBIS digital imaging system, Microscope, Computer, Phone, Copier.
- Knowledge of LE Web system and REJIS operations, specifically NCIC and MULES.
- Knowledge of firearms: identification, function and mechanical assembly.
- Knowledge of ammunition and components.
- Data Utilization: Requires the ability to process, calculate, compute, summate, and/or tabulate data and/or information. Includes the ability to perform subsequent action in relation to these computational operations.
- Human Interaction: Requires the ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify routine information to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
- Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Use: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as computer terminal, scanners, fax, magnifiers, camera, electronic storage systems, microscope, chronograph, scales, measuring devices and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
- Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information such as forms, orders, packing slips, schedules and general operating manuals.
- Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Involves semi-routine standardized work, with some latitude for independent judgment regarding choices of action.
- Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
- Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odor, noise, dust, heat, cold or chemicals.
- Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to lift laboratory equipment and supplies weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Requires the ability to stoop, crouch, climb and balance to handle laboratory equipment and supplies.
- Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of shapes to clearly identify objects.
Other Requirements:
- This position will, on occasion, require working on-call shifts and/or call-backs in cases of emergency.
- Incumbent is expected to be on stand-by frequently and testify in court.
A Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science or a closely related field; OR four years of experience evaluating, analyzing, investigating, or handling firearms in a laboratory or scientific environment. OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
On-the-Job Requirements: Completion of an intensive 2-year training program within the Laboratory/Identification Division and will attend additional training outside the Police Department Laboratory; must be willing to be certified through the Association of Firearms/Toolmark Examiners; and must pass yearly proficiency testing as required by the Laboratory.
License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license while employed by the City of St. Louis. Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of filing application and be able to present it upon request. Please note type of license, number, class and expiration date on the Employment Application.
Preferences: AFTE (The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners) certification.
Scoring Components and Their Weights
Experience and Training: 100%
May be Subject to:
Background Investigation: Pass/Fail
Medical Examination: Pass/Fail
Documentation of Academic Credentials must be Submitted Upon Request
When completing the Employment History and the Educational/Training History sections of the Employment Application, please be as thorough as possible when describing your education, training and experience relating to this position. Applicants will only receive credit for their experience, training and education as shown on the application. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to a fully completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Veterans Preference Points
To be eligible for veteran's preference points, the applicant must submit a copy of their DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with the Employment Application or upon request. The Director of Personnel may, in their discretion, accept alternate documentation.
City Residence Preference Points
City residents who pass an examination for a position in the classified service and do not receive any other preference will receive a five (5) point preference on a scale of 100 points on the exam. An additional one (1) point shall be added to the passing score of City residents who receive any other preference on a scale of 100 points. City residents must have resided in the City for at least one (1) year at the time of filing their application to be eligible for the preference points.
Accommodations
If assistance with the job application is necessary based on a physical impairment, mental impairment, or otherwise, they should reach out to the Office on the Disabled with contact information. This office will not disclose any information that an applicant or employee has a disability or has discussed possible accommodations without the applicant's or employee's prior consent.
