Forensic Scientist - Firearms & Tool Marks Section

FT / PT Status – Full-Time Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site Recruiter – Kelly Chinn | kchinn |  
Final date to receive applications – 8/27/2026*

The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory System (aka, the State Crime Lab) was created by the Legislature to provide timely and comprehensive criminalistic services to criminal justice entities within the State of Utah. By statute (53-10-104), the laboratory shall analyze evidence from crime scenes and crime-related incidents for criminal prosecution; and provide criminalistics laboratory services to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys' and agencies, and public defenders...

Forensic Scientists in the Firearms and Tool Marks section perform complex forensic examinations of physical evidence submitted to the Bureau of Forensic Services related to firearms and tool mark identification.

• Perform examinations of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, tool marks, and other firearms or tool related evidence
• Perform examinations on clothing, and other surfaces for the presence of gunshot residues or powder patterns, and muzzle to target distance determinations
• Perform chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers
• Perform projectile trajectory determinations, reconstructions and diagramming of shooting events, and provide assistance of a technical nature to investigators
• Enter and search data in the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)
• Design and conduct experiments related to specific case issues
• Present findings in a technical report and verbally in a court of law through expert witness testimony
• Forensic Scientists follow all established protocols and procedures and complete assigned tasks as deemed necessary by the Firearms section manager
• Senior forensic scientists may supervise training or other programs, oversee certification-testing programs, and conduct research and planning in support of laboratory projects and goals. Senior forensic scientists must have completed training and be actively working cases in two or more forensic disciplines and pass annual proficiency tests in these disciplines. Senior forensic scientists are recognized as scientific discipline leaders and are expected to make significant technical contributions to the lab, champion new ideas, build strong internal and external networks, and mentor and develop junior staff.

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in a natural science (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry), Forensic Science, or closely related field (Criminal Justice)
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation as well as a polygraph examination and drug test.

• Will have knowledge of evidence handling, rules of evidence, and chain of custody.
• Will have experience as a firearms examiner in an accredited forensic laboratory.
• Will have experience in NIBIN acquisitions and/or correlations.

May be filled with a Forensic Scientist I $32.51/hr, Forensic Scientist II $36.58/hr or Senior Forensic Scientist $41.34/hr depending on experience.

Come join the Public Safety Team in Utah! Enjoy building a career in a modern forensic laboratory working with other experienced scientists while enjoying frequent continuing collaborative education. The Utah Department of Public Safety has the only accredited, full-service laboratory in the state of Utah, and has been accredited since 1996. The central crime laboratory is located within 30 minutes of six major ski resorts, world class hiking, rock climbing, and an international airport.

The State of Utah boasts 5 National Parks and some of the best mountain biking and off-road vehicle terrain in the country. The Utah Department of Public Safety allows flexible work times to include a 4- 10 work week which would mean an employee could have an extra day to ski the "Greatest Snow On Earth" or enjoy other outdoor activities.

Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability:
  Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth:
  Develop valuable skills and gain…