Sheriff's Forensic Scientist - Firearms Examiner

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office's is seeking a Sheriff's Forensic Scientist - Firearms Examiner for its Forensic Science Laboratory. The Sheriff's Forensic Laboratory is an ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic testing laboratory that provides forensic services to 36 law enforcement agencies, the Minnesota State Patrol, and multiple federal law enforcement agencies.

All Forensic Science Laboratory personnel are required to have a buccal sample collected for the purpose of generating a DNA profile to be included in the laboratory DNA contamination database.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the page.

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Location and hours: This position will be performed onsite at the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office Forensic Science Laboratory located at 531 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Work hours will be Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.
About the position type: This is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as a Sheriff's Forensic Scientist.
Click here to view the job classification specification. In this position, you will:

• Conduct examinations and testing of firearms, firearm components, ammunition, and ammunition components, including performing comparative examinations.
• Restore obliterated serial numbers.
• Utilize National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) equipment.
• Perform technical reviews of firearm section casework to ensure both procedural and substantive compliance with applicable standards.
• Research, recommend, and validate new techniques, procedures, methods, and equipment used in the firearm section of the laboratory.
• Ensure that evidence integrity and proper chain of custody protocols are followed.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable SOPs and accreditation standards.
• Assist with training new laboratory employees and law enforcement personnel.
• Maintain communication with other members of the criminal justice community regarding case status.
• Perform quality control procedures.
• Prepare written reports and other documents and prepare evidence for court presentations.
• Represent the laboratory at professional conferences, meetings, training sessions, and public events.
• Testify in court regarding test methods, test results, and laboratory operations.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Five or more years of experience as an examiner/scientist in an accredited forensic laboratory.
  • A bachelor's degree or higher in forensic science, chemistry, toxicology, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a field appropriate to the area of specialization.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of forensic laboratory policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners membership.
• Passed a competency test in the following: Cartridge case identification, Bullet identification, Serial Number Restoration, and/or NIBIN.
• Passed a proficiency test in comparative examination in the past year.
• Training and experience in auditing forensic laboratories.
• Experience:
  • Performing firearm examination and NIBIN entry in a forensic science laboratory environment.
  • Presenting forensic evidence in court.
  • Examining physical evidence using analytical instruments and forensic science techniques in the area of firearm examination.
  • Preserving the integrity of evidence and/or maintaining the chain of custody.
  • Using specialized laboratory equipment (e.g., comparison microscope, NIBIN), as well as computers and related software to evaluate, compare identify, and document firearm evidence.
  • Establishing project scope, experimental design, and analyzing data associated with validations, and writing validation and procedure modification reports.
  • Working in a diverse and multicultural environment.
  • Rendering comparative examination conclusions.
• Ability to:
  • Apply scientific principles to the examination and testing of physical evidence in the area of firearm examination.
  • Organize, assemble, and write detailed technical reports and other documents in an organized and grammatically correct fashion.
  • Present expert testimony in criminal court proceedings regarding the forensic examination and analysis of firearm evidence.
  • Communicate technical information and opinions to non-technical audiences in a clear, concise, and understandable manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office serves the county's 1.2 million residents. State law mandates most of the sheriff's office duties, including managing the county jail, providing security to the district court, and patrolling the waterways in the county. The Sheriff's Office also runs specialized initiatives like Criminal Information Sharing and Analysis (CISA), Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF), Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation, Community Outreach and Employee Wellness. The mission of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is: Providing quality professional services while building meaningful relationships that are sustainable within our communities, and with our partners, to ensure justice and safety for all.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that reduce disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community. Your future. Made here. This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based on an assessment of education and experience. Applicants must have no felony convictions and must successfully complete an extensive background investigation that includes criminal, employment and financial checks, psychological assessment and drug testing that may include testing for cannabis during the six-month probationary period.

If you have any questions, please contact: Lidy Vu
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