Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner (SOG/ST 6)

Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Forensic Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner, the incumbent assists with conducting forensic testing and examinations on a variety of exhibits related to firearms and tool mark identification in support of criminal and other investigations; maintains assigned laboratory instruments to ensure their effective operation, and to participate in forensic research, as directed. Salary Range: 💰 $5,198,035 - $6,990,779 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• • Conducts forensic testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples e.g. firearms, ammunition and their components;
• • Examines case material using a variety of microscopes to conduct preliminary examinations;
• • Collects submitted parcels, assigns FL# and document in master book and team book;
• • Scribes FL # and Letter on exhibits submitted by escorts;
• • Acquires and assesses digital images and data in the IBIS;
• • Provides liaison with clientele of the Institute, and assists with various types of examinations;
• • Examines possible hits presented by IBIS machines, to identify possible hits to be confirmed by senior staff;
• • Logs and maintains firearm receival and distribution;
• • Enters data into ATF to effect tracing of weapons;
• • Ensures safe custody of all firearm and ammunition entering and leaving the vault;
• • Documents and processes incoming and outgoing case materials;
• • Prepares work area for examinations and logs results;
• • Generates and collects test results to be presented for further analysis;
• • Issues certificates and exhibits to customers;
• • Conducts preliminary examinations on submitted case related materials;
• • Provides testimony in a court of law, when required, regarding laboratory procedures, methods and protocols;
• • Responds to telephone requests, e.g. checking of status of ballistics certificate, etc.
• • Participates in the validation, calibration and maintenance of new instruments;
• • Pairs confirmation of IBIS hits;
• • Submits case related items in E-Trace system to acquire origins for weapons related to illegal possession and murder;
• • Conducts Direct Part Marking (DPM) with Dot Peen machine for GoJ owned weapons;
• • Carries out armourer duties (disassembling and reassembling of firearms) to conduct examination;
• • Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Director from time to time.

Required Skills

• • Good knowledge of exhibit record keeping
• • Expert knowledge of firearms and ammunition and their mechanisms;
• • Ability to disassemble and reassemble firearms mechanisms and an understanding of how moving parts interact with each other
• • Technical report writing skills
• • A safety conscious attitude in the handling of firearms
• • Honest and unbiased, despite the pressures of being examined by lawyers each of whom wishes to present a single side of the case. Articulating clearly the complexities of technical procedures.
• • Expert knowledge of ballistics record keeping
• • Expert knowledge of standard operating procedures; firearm and ammunition testing/handling, laboratory equipment and crime scene investigation
• • Advance knowledge of computerized forensic databases and familiarity with document creation software programmes

Qualifications

• • Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science or biology/physics/biochemistry or closely related natural science;
• • One (1) year working experience handling firearms;
• • Exposure to law enforcement/security environment would be a plus.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Handling of firearms and ammunition;
  • • Might be required to report for duty on short notice during important cases or upon the discovery of a new crime scene;
  • • Travelling to crime scenes to collect evidence.

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 to: Director, Human Resource and Welfare Management (Acting) Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine 2½ Hope Boulevard Kingston 6 📧 Email: vacanciesfslab@gmail.jm ℹ️ Subject: Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner (SOG/ST 6) Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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