Criminal Firearms Examiner II

JOB LOCATION 8555 Double Helix Ct Englewood, Colorado 80112-7170 Cit y  of Aurora ,  Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:   Integrity ,   Respect, Professionalism , and   Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The hiring salary range for this position is $79,030 - $98,787 annually. The deadline to submit applications is July 5th, 2026, However, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained. The Firearms Examiner II performs analysis of forensic evidence through a variety of methods related to Firearms examinations. This position reports to the Aurora Police Department and is assigned to the Unified Forensic Laboratory (UFL) in Englewood, CO. The UFL is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory which provides forensic services to law enforcement agencies within the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County and Douglas County in Colorado. The UFL is an entity designed to support the criminal investigative functions of the agencies it serves. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Performs mechanical function examinations of pistols, revolver, rifles and shotguns. Examines firearms-related evidence to include bullets, fired cartridge cases, fired shot shells and shotshell components, and unfired ammunition. Safely test fires firearms. Compares test fire bullets to bullets from the crime scene or individuals to determine whether the evidence bullets were fired from a particular firearm barrel. Compares test fired cartridge cases/shotshells to fired cartridge cases/shotshells from the crime scene to determine whether the evidence cartridge cases/shotshells were fired in a particular firearm. Performs serial number restoration on firearms with obliterated serial numbers. Performs BrassTraxTM acquisitions of test fired cartridge cases and crime scene cartridge cases into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Performs Matchpoint+TM correlation reviews to identify and disseminate NIBIN leads. Issues reports regarding analysis of evidence Testifies as an expert witness in municipal, state and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis Maintains chain of custody of evidence Makes reagents/standards used for processing and verifies their performance Performs basic instrument maintenance when necessary Performs verifications and technical reviews of casework Maintains the firearms reference collection and stock ammunition collection. Maintains compliance with ISO 17025-2017 standards Performs other related duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education:  Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a physical or natural science, or directly related field, from an accredited college or university. Experience:  Successful completion of a documented firearms examiner training plan, similar in scope to the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners training manual (approximately 2 years in length). 3 years of experience as a firearms examiner in a law enforcement laboratory or directly related environment. Preferred Qualifications:                                                                                                                                  Certification by the Association Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners Knowledge: Appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in firearms examination Safe handling practices for firearms and chemicals in use by the laboratory Investigative methods and techniques Rules of evidence and court testimony ISO 17025-2017 accreditation requirements as they apply to firearms examination undefined Skills:  Strong analytical and communication skills Skill in the use of standard office equipment as well as laboratory instrumentation Skill in firearms examination Abilities:  Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Organize and prioritize work. Properly use and maintain scientific equipment. Prepare reagents Prepare accurate reports. Maintain secure custody of evidence while in their possession. Work independent of direct supervision. Testify effectively on scientific matters in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings Licenses and Certifications Required:  Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License WORKING CONDITIONS Occasional Standing/Walking- Occurs up to 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Medium work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a time Frequent Hand/eye coordination to operate computer, laboratory instruments and other testing instruments Infrequent Foot/eye coordinatio