City of Oxnard, California

Criminalist

Closing Date

5:00 P.M., August 8, 2013

Monthly Salary

$5,024 - $7,034

Position

Under general supervision, identifies and examines bullets, bullet fragments, cartridges and firearms used in crimes. Criminalists are responsible for ensuring the integrity of evidence by using established handling protocols. Depending upon assignment may be required to wear a uniform. Normal working periods are 10-hour days, 4 days a week with rotational "on-call."

Examples of Duties Performed

Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence related to firearm and toolmark analyses, footwear and tire track analyses; obtains information and potential evidence from law enforcement personnel.
Conducts field investigations at crime scenes and other pertinent locations; searches for, collects and preserves evidence for laboratory analysis and comparison.
Processes physical evidence as an expert in a specialty area of forensic firearms and toolmark examination.
Maintains integrity of physical evidence.
Conducts function testing of firearms, bullet and cartridge case examinations to establish identification.
Performs IBIS/NIBIN entry and correlation analysis.
Conducts serial number restoration.
Responds to crime scenes to conduct shooting incident reconstruction or assist in other evidence collection.
Conducts function testing of firearms, bullet and cartridge case examinations to establish identification.
Consults with law enforcement and other legal personnel regarding cases.
Provides expertise to other section staff to resolve complex problems; conducts training for individuals and groups.
Prepares written reports of findings and testifies in court as an expert witness.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE — A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Chemistry, Physics or a closely related science and one year of forensic laboratory experience and firearms and toolmark experience using techniques specifically followed in forensic laboratories.

KNOWLEDGE OF — Basic scientific methods and procedures; laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence; collecting and preserving physical evidence; scientific research methods and procedures in the forensic science field; applicable Federal, state and local laws codes and ordinances; principles and practices of firearm and munitions identification and comparison; proper English, spelling and grammar; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing; basic principles of mathematics; police terminology and procedures.

ABILITY TO — Analyze, compare, and/or identify physical evidence specifically relating to firearm and toolmark evidence, including interpreting their significance in a court of law; perform serial number restorations; perform IBIS/NIBIN entry and perform correlation reviews; conduct crime scene investigations and collect evidence; prepare chemical reagents used in scientific analysis and quality control; understand and follow instructions; prepare and maintain accurate records; compile and analyze data, establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement personnel and others involved in the legal system; work various and extended hours; communicate effectively both orally and in writing in court proceedings and for other legal purposes; construct court exhibits and demonstration charts; research and present new analytical techniques; prepare clear and concise reports; exercise good judgment; learn law enforcement operations, procedures and regulations.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE — Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class "C" California driver's license. Professional certification through the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) or Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) is desirable.

Application and Selection Process

A completed City of Oxnard application must be filed with the City of Oxnard, Human Resources Department, 300 West Third Street, First Floor, Oxnard, CA 93030, 5:00 P.M., AUGUST 8, 2013 (no postmarks will be accepted). The preferred method of application is on-line and you are highly encouraged to apply at www.hr.cityofoxnard.org. If you are unable to apply electronically, you may either print out or request a paper application by calling (805) 385-7590 during regular business hours. Paper applications may be faxed to (805) 385-8352, mailed, or hand-delivered to the Human Resources Department at 300 West Third Street, First Floor, Oxnard, California 93030.

As part of the testing process and prior to appointment to a position, City of Oxnard Police Department candidates will be required to undergo a polygraph examination and a thorough background investigation.

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer.