Forensic Scientist II or III; Firearms Examiner), Grade 22

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

Salary Range

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

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

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922, and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Montgomery County Department of Police (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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This is professional and technical work applying forensic science in the examination of firearms, toolmarks, and serial number restorations associated with routine and complicated police investigations involving firearms and firearm-related evidence. Personal contacts include investigative officers to give and receive information;
State’s Attorneys to discuss “expert” court testimony concerning the analysis of firearms and firearm-related evidence; crime scene unit personnel regarding matters related to the collection and processing of evidence; and state and federal law enforcement representatives to articulate concepts, discuss technical information, and resolve problems.

An employee conducts examinations, which include the following: microscopic comparisons of evidence and known specimens for source identification; testing firearms for function, operability, and safety; NIBIN screening, entry, and correlations; and restoration of obliterated serial numbers. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments and has full technical responsibility for the work.

Performance of the work in this position involves occasional exposure to elevated noise levels resulting from the discharging of firearms, and exposure to lead and residues from blood and body fluids on bullets and firearms. The work requires strict observance of safety precautions and procedures in utilizing chemicals to perform various forensic analyses applicable to firearms and toolmark examinations, and in the handling and operating of firearms.

The work may also involve occasional long periods of standing while conducting examinations at laboratory counters, and the lifting and carrying of weapons and ammunition boxes weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Forensic Scientist Series:
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 is 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.

FORENSIC

SCIENTIST II – GRADE 22

• Experience:
  
  Two (2) years of full-time professional experience conducting examinations of firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, and related evidence as a firearms examiner. Training time within the discipline of Firearms Examination may count toward the two-year requirement.
• Education:
  
  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science.
• Equivalency:
  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

FORENSIC SCIENTIST III – GRADE 25

• Experience:
  
  Four (4) years of full-time professional experience…