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

About The Position

The anticipated salary range for this role upon hire for Forensic Scientist II, Grade 22: $73,569 - $108,273. Forensic Scientist III, Grade 25: $83,556 - $134,086.

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.

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 (FSEMD). This is a bench scientist role.

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.

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.

As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

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, State’s Attorneys, crime scene unit personnel, 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 has full technical responsibility.

Performance of the work involves occasional exposure to elevated noise levels from firing firearms, 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 for forensic analyses and handling firearms. The work may involve occasional long periods of standing and lifting/carrying weapons and ammunition boxes up to 50 pounds.

In addition to the MQs from the PD/Class Spec, if the minimum qualifications from the Classification Specification do not fully describe the needs of your position, add the relevant areas of experience below:

• 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 requirement.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

• Four (4) years of full-time…