Senior Laboratory Scientist (Firearms-Toolmarks Unit) Repost

Location: Augusta, Maine,None,None

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: November 7,  2024

Closing Date:  November 22, 2024

This is professional services work involving the day-to-day direction and oversight of the Firearms - Toolmarks section that performs firearm function tests, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, shooting reconstruction, physical match, distance determination and serial number restorations.

Responsibilities focus on planning and directing section activities; overseeing and evaluating the work of section personnel; and developing, implementing, and monitoring quality assurance and controls, accreditation, and safety programs. Additional responsibilities include functioning as a scientific resource to subordinate personnel and members of the law enforcement, medical, laboratory and legal communities; performing highly advanced laboratory analyses; preparing written reports and interpretation of findings; developing scientific methodologies and analytical systems procedures; and developing and monitoring a section budget. Supervision is exercised over scientists and laboratory support personnel. Work is performed under administrative direction

Primary responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Develops, submits, and monitors a section budget in order to ensure sufficient resources to attain established goals and objectives and fulfill service requirements.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of subordinate professional/technical personnel in order to ensure work is completed in a proper and timely manner and enhance personnel proficiency.
• Plans, implements, and monitors section operations including testing, quality assurance and controls, and laboratory safety in order to obtain and maintain necessary accreditation and ensure the integrity of analytical testing and results.
• Researches and evaluates laboratory equipment and other materials used in highly advanced laboratory analysis in order to ensure section practices meet national accreditation standards and is capable of performing accurate testing.
• Examines, analyzes, and compares various types of specimens and evidence using scientifically valid methods in order to identify and compare evidence to other known samples.
• Explains and interprets 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.
• Establishes liaisons with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, the medical and scientific communities, and communications media in order to compare and explain analytical results and provide information concerning laboratory services.
• Trains 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.
• Trains staff to perform various discipline specific tasks and documents the continued competency of staff in order to supervise the performance of testing and prepare written test reports.
• Assists with the processing of crime scenes if requested and collects, packages, marks, and receives evidence in order to identify and obtain physical evidence and ensure the integrity and continuity of case evidence.
• Researches and develops methods and techniques in order to increase laboratory capacity and capability with respect to firearm function tests, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, shooting reconstruction, physical match, distance determination and serial number restoration.
• Manages section technical reviews and verification processes.
• Serves as the onsite administrator for NIBIN.
• Oversees the procurement and preparation of reagents used in testing.
• Oversees the calibration of section equipment.
• Writes technical reports and opinions of analytical findings and their interpretation in order to document results, develop scientific reports, and provide expert written findings and testimony with respect to firearm function tests, test fires, microscopic comparisons, toolmarks, gunshot residue, sho