Senior Laboratory Scientist (Firearms-Toolmarks Unit) Repost

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Department of Public Safety

Firearms-Toolmarks Unit

Job Class Code: 4210
Grade: 29 - Supervisory 
Salary: $72,987.20 - $103,280.32 (Salary includes a 10% Stipend) 
Location: Augusta, Maine 

Opening Date: December 31,  2024

Closing Date:  January 15, 2025

Looking to make a difference in your career? Look no further than the Senior Forensic Scientist within the Firearms-Toolmarks Unit of the Maine Department of Public Safety. This critical role provides day-to-day direction of the Firearms-Toolmarks team, which performs firearm function tests, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, shooting reconstruction, physical match, distance determination and serial number restorations. The work of the Senior Forensic Scientist ensures the unit obtains and maintains necessary accreditation and ensures the integrity of analytical testing and results. 

What you will do: 

While no two days look the same, you can expect to:

• Plan and direct section activities, including hiring, training, and supervising staff and developing and monitoring a section budget
• Develops and recommends section goals, objectives, and standards in such areas as proficiency testing, quality assurance and controls, section specific policies and methods, safety, and validation studies in order to maintains proper accreditation
• Function as a scientific resource to team members as well as law enforcement, medical, laboratory and legal communities;  
• Oversee and evaluate the work of section scientists and laboratory support personnel
• Research, evaluate and oversee the calibration of laboratory equipment and other materials used in highly advanced laboratory analysis in order to ensure section practives meet national accreditation standards and is capable of performing accurate testing
• Perform highly advanced laboratory analyses, including examining, analyzing and comparing various types of specimens and evidence using scientifically valid methods in order to identify and compare evidence to other known samples
• Train law enforcement personnel in proper methods of handling firearms and related evidence in order to ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence and promote testing and analysis. 
• Serve as the onsite administrator for NIBIN
• Develop scientific methodologies and analytical systems procedures
• Explain and interpret test findings, their scientific basis, and statistical significance in criminal court proceedings and/or in order to provide consultation regarding laboratory procedures and the interpretation of results
• Prepare written technical reports and interpretation of findings
• Assist with the processing of crime scenes if requested and collect, package, mark, and receive evidence in order to identify and obtain physical evidence and ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence. 
• Manage section technical reviews and verification processes. 
• Research and develop methods and techniques to increase laboratory capacity and capability 
• Develop, implement and monitor section operations, including testing, quality assurance and controls, accreditation, and safety programs

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of the makes, models, and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition
• Knowledge of the equipment used to test and identify firearms and ammunition
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of firearms and ammunition identification and comparison
• Knowledge of the operations and handling of firearms and ammunition
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws governing firearms.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques used in the performance of microscopic examinations as they pertain to firearms and ammunition
• Knowledge of general principles of external and terminal ballistics
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and courtroom procedures
• Knowledge of the procedures pertaining to chemical restoration
• Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory procedures and technology.
• Knowledge of laboratory specimen and evidence collection and preservation techniques.
• Knowledge of scientific methods of investigation and research.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of administrative, personnel, and financial procedures.
• Knowledge of photography and photographic equipment.
• Ability to establish and monitor progress towards section goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, dire