Forensic Scientist IV - Firearms

Forensic Scientist IV - Firearms Salary: $ Annually

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking experienced and motivated individuals to join our team as a Forensic Scientist specializing in the Firearms discipline. The applicant will utilize in a recognized crime laboratory chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence including controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents;

latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. They will prepare technical reports, provide expert testimony in court, offer technical advice and guidance to and train other forensic scientists, recommend revisions to analytical methodology and purchase of scientific equipment, and serve as an experienced casework analyst on complex cases within the discipline while performing related tasks as required.

• Utilize chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques to examine and evaluate physical evidence.
• Prepare technical reports and provide expert testimony in court.
• Offer technical advice, guidance, and training to other forensic scientists.
• Recommend revisions to analytical methodology and equipment purchase.
• Analyze complex cases within the firearms discipline and perform related tasks.
• Collaborate with other forensic science disciplines as needed.

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, chemistry or closely related natural sciences with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry or 20 semester hours in chemistry plus coursework in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
• At least ten (10) years of experience as a forensic scientist in a recognized crime laboratory.
• Demonstrated competency in at least one forensic discipline with at least three (3) years of experience within that discipline.
• Court or professional presentation experience applicable to forensics.
• Must successfully complete the examination process.
• Additional forensic experience beyond the required ten (10) years may substitute for semester hours of chemistry (one year equals ten semester hours). Up to five (5) years of required experience may be substituted with professional experience in a clinical or research laboratory involving analytical or technical laboratory work applicable to forensic testing and reporting.

Applicants must complete an examination process. A polygraph and background investigation are required for successful applicants. The department supports a drug‑free work environment through pre‑employment drug testing.

Driver’s license and electronic employment eligibility verification (E‑Verify) are required if the position involves driving or vehicle use.

• Accrued vacation pay and sick days
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Top‑ranked retirement plans
• Affordable medical, dental, vision, life, and short‑ and long‑term disability insurance plans
• Employee Assistance, Peer and Family Support Programs
• Bus cards (subsidized partially by the state)
• Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks per year for newborn or newly‑placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)

State employees participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). The ASRS is a defined‑benefit plan providing lifelong income upon retirement. Employees may also join a voluntary deferred compensation program.

On or shortly after your first day of work, additional information about insurance plans will be provided.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 223‑2290. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.