Firearms Examiner

Overview

The Firearms Examiner will perform specialized, complex forensic examination of physical evidence related to firearm & toolmark identification, comparison/ID of bullets and cartridges, serial number restoration, weapon function tests & test firing, trajectory, crime scene reconstruction, and other types of analysis. You will also operate the ATF NIBIN gun crime database by entering bullets and/or cartridges and linking them to other crimes. The Firearms Examiner will also testify as an expert witness in a court of law regarding the scientific analysis of firearm evidence. Additionally, you will train crime lab and CCPD sworn personnel. This position is a critical component of the criminal justice process, necessary for providing objective evidence in serious crimes. Without this service, cases may be delayed for months or years waiting for other forensic laboratories or the Texas Department of Public Safety to perform analysis. This position will help mitigate the significant costs involved when CCPD cases are analyzed at other laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Examine firearms and related evidence received from CCPD and outside agencies

• Perform function tests; make firearm operable for testing as needed through cleaning, repair, and/or parts replacement

• Identify and measure class characteristics of each firearm to include extractors ejectors, firing pins, breech faces, and safeties, as well as operating type and action type of firearm; note manufacturing techniques, operating type, and action of firearms

• Conduct test firing for functionality, NIBIN, trigger pull measurement, viability of ammunition, and comparisons

• Enter bullets/casings into federal database for linking gun crime cases to one another; examine markings to link shootings in Corpus Christi as well as other cities in the state and region

• Obtain test shots via test firing of firearms; accept test shots submitted by other agencies

• Trace purchases of all firearms through ATF eTrace system

• Conduct microscopic comparison of bullets, casings, and toolmarks, both to one another and to test fires from submitted firearms; compare tools from crime scene to toolmarks

• Determine general rifling characteristics on bullets to yield possible brands/models of firearms if firearm is not submitted or is unknown

• Examine tool marks from crime scenes to determine what type of tool may have made marks

• Examine any tools from the crime scene to determine if that tool made the marks found at the crime scene

• Utilize Mikrosil casting material to cast tool marks that cannot be removed from scene, and then perform a tool mark analysis from the casting material

• Conduct technical reviews of casework performed by other examiners

• Conduct GSR/distance determination and determine ammunition composition via chemical analysis

• Assist crime scene investigators as subject-matter experts in gun-related crimes; assist with processing for latent prints, trace, and other evidence; direct CSls in recognition and collection of firearm evidence

• Take control of issued firearms and ammunition in the event of officer involved shootings

• Gather & maintain data regarding caseload, completion time, number/amount of evidence tested, notable trends, and other information; provide Crime Lab Manager with periodic updates in order to evaluate effectiveness and opportunities for improvement

• Assist lab management with annual policy review; make recommendations for changes or improvement

• Introduce collection and handling techniques to the CCPD Training Academy, Citizen's Police Academy, district attorneys, and other stakeholders

• Conduct research and present findings to peers for review and possible publication; stay abreast of issues and advances in the firearms discipline and forensic science in general

• Complete continuing education credits required for maintaining licensure with the Texas Forensic Science Commission

• Attend training courses/conferences; participate in professional associations and scientific working groups

• Testify as expert witness in courts of law; prepare exhibits or other visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint presentations) for jurists; provide guidance to attorneys for trial preparation

• Provide investigative leads to investigators through email, reports, and other forms of communication

• Using specialized instrumentation, analyze fired bullets, casings, and other firearm/toolmark evidence, including measurement and documentation

• Conduct bullet trajectory analysis is used for shooting scene reconstruction to determine the pathways of fired bullets during the commission of a crime

• Conduct serial number restoration using chemical etchants, polishing, and electromagnetic/ electrochemical methods to restore serial numbers on firearms, bicycles, automobiles, and other metal objects for checking against stolen item databases

• Train crime lab and CCPD sworn personnel on lab/crime scene procedures, safe firearms handling, evidence collection, NIBIN system, etc

• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Non - Exempt - Full-Time

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement

• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS)

• Three (3) years of related job experience

Licenses and Certifications

Required

• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire

Required Within six (6) Months of Hire

• First Aid/CPR Certification

• NCIC/TCIC Certification

Required Within One Year of Hire

• Texas Forensic Science Commission License - Forensic Analysis in the Discipline of Firearm / Toolmark Examination

Required Within 18 Months of Hire

• Integrated Ballistics Identification Systems (IBIS/NIBIN) Tech Certification/Qualification

Additional Requirements - Prior to Five (5) Year License Renewal

• Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiners - Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification Certification

• Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiners - Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification Certification

• Association of Firearm & Toolmark Examiner - Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun Instructor/Range Safety Certifications

Employment Testing

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal Background Check: Yes

• Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes

• Drug Screening: Yes

• Physical Exam: Yes

Basis of Rating

A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.

Supplemental Information

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.

The City of Corpus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.

Closing Date/Time: December 22, 2025

• 

• City of Corpus Christi

• 3618263332

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