Responsibilities

DISTINGUISING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is the entry−level class in the Forensic Scientist (Firearms/Toolmarks/Ballistics) series. The work involves responsibility for processing items of physical evidence for the purpose of firearms, ammunition, and tool mark identification and analysis using various physical and chemical methods. The position will also be performing latent print analysis.

This position differs from Forensic Scientist II (Firearms/Toolmarks/Ballistics) by virtue of it being an entry-level position, the training requirements of the incumbents, performance of routine tasks and the decreased independence of work. All work performed by incumbents in this class is performed under close direct supervision from higher-level employees in this series. General supervision is received from the Director of Laboratories. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Performs routine examinations and comparisons of firearms, bullets, shells, casings and other related weapons, and determines and records physical parameters using measuring projections, micrometers and other equipment;
Disassembles, reassembles, makes safe and tests firearms to determine their operability, safety and accuracy;
Performs data entry of firearms-related data and images of fired evidence ammunition components into a computerized digital imaging system and is responsible for the management of database records;
Performs routine chemical restoration of obliterated serial numbers and other markings on weapons;
Meets with attorneys, investigators and other related personnel regarding approaches to analysis and results in pretrial conferences;
Participates in scientific meetings, seminars, and other training as assigned;
Maintains records of observations and notes, and issues reports of test results upon consultation with higher-level Forensic Scientists in this series;
Testifies in court regarding laboratory analyses and the significance of the results as required;
Performs housekeeping tasks as required, including maintaining firearms related supplies and reference materials;
Participates in internal and external proficiency testing programs;
May perform photography using digital and conventional photographic equipment, and assists in the interpretation of computerized digital image correlation;
May assist in the inventory, maintenance, storage, and disposition of evidence.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

working knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures and equipment related to forensic firearms examination;
working knowledge of the design, construction and operation of firearms and the various types of ammunition;
working knowledge of the safe operation of firearms;
working knowledge of microscopy, especially comparative techniques;
working knowledge of the use and operation of a computerized digital imaging and inventory system used in the laboratory;
working knowledge of penal law and rules of evidence as it applies to weapons evidence;
skill in the use of laboratory equipment related to firearms analysis;
skill in the application of laboratory and scientific research practices and techniques to firearms analysis;
ability to apply scientific procedures, methodology, and formulas to assigned work;
ability to analyze and evaluate information and observations, and to arrive at and construct logical and sound conclusions;
ability to explain laboratory analysis techniques, procedures and theories in a clear and concise manner to so that non-scientists may understand the significance of the results obtained using these procedures;
ability to operate a computer in the performance of duties, including accurately entering firearms related data and use of computerized digital imaging system; ability to manage data base records and maintain accurate records;
ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on complex laboratory equipment;
ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
ability to prepare and deliver legal testimony accurately and be cross-examined and remain composed in court;
ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships;
sound professional judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a natural science, a forensic science, an engineering science, or criminalistics; OR
Graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, which must have included at least twelve (12) credit hours in one of the natural sciences, forensic sciences or engineering sciences AND one of the following: a. One (1) year of full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in a forensic laboratory which must have included the examination of firearms; OR b. Successful completion of an internship with a minimum of one hundred (100) hours in a forensic laboratory; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience that is defined by the limits of 1,2, and 3 above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Applicants will be required to undergo a state and national criminal history background investigation which will include a fingerprint check to determine suitability for appointment. Failure to meet the standards for the background investigation may result in disqualification.

NOTE:

Degrees and college credits must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education;
Incumbents must pass a competency test prior to assuming casework responsibility, and must pass a proficiency test annually, in accordance with accreditation requirements. Additional continuing education and training may be required as condition of employment.

Compensation

The pay rate for the position is $34.37 - $39.92 per hour for 40 hours per week.

NIAGARA COUNTY CSEA FULL-TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY

This document is intended as a general explanation of benefits related to your employment. It is intended only as an aid. It is not intended to supersede governing language in any Collective Bargaining Agreement or any binding County policies. The following is a summary of benefits provided to full-time CSEA union members. Employees should refer to their collective bargaining agreement for a complete description of benefits and guidelines.

SICK DAYS Employees hired prior to 12/13/2022 earn one (1) sick day per month when in a pay status for more than one-half of the month. Maximum sick days allowed is 185 days. Sick days are carried over year after year. Employees hired or rehired on or after 12/13/2022 earn one (1) sick day per month up to a maximum of eight (8) days per calendar year for years one (1) through ten (10) of employment. In year eleven (11) and beyond, employees shall earn up to twelve (12) days per calendar year. Maximum sick days allowed is 185 days. Sick days are carried over year after year.
MEDICAL/DENTAL VISITS Employees are limited to 16 hours per calendar year. Visits are limited to a maximum of two (2) hours in duration, and you will be charged a minimum of two (2) hours unless the visit is scheduled at the beginning or end of the workday.
PERSONAL DAYS Employees receive three (3) personal days per year. An employee is not eligible until the completion of ninety (90) days of employment following the original date of hire. Personal days not used during the calendar year will be added to the employee’s sick leave accumulation and only up to the maximum days allowed.
DISABILITY INSURANCE The County provides a disability insurance plan registered with the State of New York to employees who have served continuously for four (4) consecutive weeks. Employee receives 50% of gross pay up to a maximum of $170 per week. Benefits are available for a total of twenty-six (26) weeks in any fifty-two (52) week period. A five (5) working day or seven (7) calendar day waiting period, after injury or illness, is required before drawing benefits. The employee will participate and will contribute sixty ($.60) per week or $1.20 per pay toward the cost of disability insurance to be deducted from their paychecks.
BEREAVEMENT Three (3) days bereavement for immediate family as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
LEGAL HOLIDAYS NEW YEAR’S DAY COLUMBUS DAY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY VETERAN’S DAY PRESIDENT’S DAY THANKSGIVING DAY GOOD FRIDAY DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING MEMORIAL DAY CHRISTMAS DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY *FLOATING HOLIDAY (as scheduled) LABOR DAY
VACATION Employees hired or rehired after January 1, 2020 will be credited with one (1) vacation day for each month worked more than half the month up to a maximum of ten (10) days per year. On January 1st of the year following the completion of one (1) year of service, annual vacation will be credited per the following schedule. Benefit date is adjusted for time off the payroll and is used to determine accrual level.
- a. Less than five (5) years of service: ten (10) working days on January 1st
- b. After completion of five (5) years of service: fifteen (15) working days
- c. After completion of eight (8) years of service: seventeen (17) working days
- d. After completion of fourteen (14) years of service: twenty (20) working days
- e. After completion of twenty-five (25) years of service and thereafter: twenty-five (25) days
- The benefit set forth in “b”, “c”, “d”, and “e” will be credited to the employee on the employee’s anniversary date.
ANNUAL SALARY INCREASES Annual salary increases are not mandatory, but each employee is entitled to one (1) increment up to the maximum for the position provided that the increment is recommended for approval by the department head. Employees appointed prior to July 1st shall be eligible to receive an increment on the following January 1st. All others must spend a full calendar year in service before being eligible for the increment. Employees will be eligible for step eight (8) after eight (8) years of satisfactory employment with the county. Employees on leave without pay must have worked a minimum of six (6) months.
LONGEVITY An employee completing the following years of consecutive paid employment by the County shall be eligible to receive cumulative longevity payments as follows. Longevity date is adjusted for time off the payroll.
- 10 years of service $225 per year
- 14 years of service $500 per year
- 20 years of service $825 per year
- 25 years of service $1,150 per year
HEALTHCARE Upon eligibility, the County will contribute all or a significant portion of the cost of the monthly premiums or “in Lieu of” premium for each option available under the Niagara County Healthcare Plan, depending on the Plan option chosen by the employee. The participating employee will pay the applicable contribution of the monthly premium, if any, through payroll deductions. Employees must complete and submit all necessary healthcare enrollment forms to the Risk Management Office within thirty (30) days of hire.
HEALTHCARE WAIVER A maximum waiver consisting of $500 for a full year waiver of single coverage, or $1000 for a full year waiver of family coverage shall be extended to active members of the bargaining unit who are eligible for coverage provided by the County. Payments shall be made biannually in two equal installments in July and January, following each six months of waived insurance. Employees must sign and submit a healthcare waiver form to the Human Resources Department.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT Upon eligibility, the County will deposit funds per employee per year in a flexible spending account to be used for only vision and/or dental expenses, this money is available the date of your first pay check. Employees are also eligible to participate in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (maximum $1600 deduction per year) and/or a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (maximum $5000 deduction per year). You must complete and submit applicable enrollment forms to the Risk Management Office within thirty (30) days of hire and annually during the Open Enrollment Period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN Employees may avail themselves of the existing deferred compensation plan currently in effect in Niagara County. Maximum contribution limits are defined by current plan rules and policies.
RETIREMENT MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION It is mandatory for all permanent employees to join the New York State Employees’ Retirement System. An application will be provided to those employees during their initial employment, or at any time thereafter upon receiving permanent status. All non-mandatory employees (temporary, provisional, part-time), whose membership is optional, may elect to decline membership, or may join by filing a membership application. The contribution rate to the Retirement System will be deducted each pay period and the amount depends upon date of membership, tier, and annual income.

How to apply

Applicants should apply through the Niagara County website at https://niagara-portal.mycivilservice.com.

Apply