🚀 Criminalist I (Firearms Analysis Unit)

Criminalist I (Firearms Analysis Unit)

City of Boston

Overview

This is a provisional appointment. The Criminalist will be assigned to the Firearms Analysis Unit under the direct supervision of a Criminalist V with technical direction from Criminalists II-IV. The position performs a wide variety of forensic division tasks and procedures with strong attention to detail, including analysis, documentation, and review of evidentiary items, and response to court as expert witness. The role may not involve all responsibilities listed.

Responsibilities

• Under the direct technical supervision of Criminalists II-IV, analyze items of evidence.
• Observe/Train/Process crime scenes and vehicles under the supervision of Criminalists II-IV, when applicable.
• Perform quality procedures and maintain quality records to ensure testing accuracy and reliability.
• Intake evidence.
• Prepare samples and evidentiary items for storage and/or further analysis; preserve specimens and may observe and assist Criminalists II-IV in complex tasks.
• Receive and prepare reagents, solutions, chemicals, and other materials used in the examination and analysis of various types of evidence.
• Maintain chain of custody and ensure the integrity and viability of materials for testing.
• Package, mark, and receive evidence, maintaining continuity/integrity of physical evidence.
• Maintain laboratory safety and cleanliness standards, assuring worker safety.
• Photograph evidence to document and record subject matter.
• Maintain and utilize laboratory and forensic databases.
• Monitor stock levels of reagents, chemicals, and consumables, ensuring sufficient supplies/materials to perform required testing/services.
• Write and maintain records and daily logs.
• Maintain safety showers and eyewashes.
• May participate in continuing education, conferences, training, and other seminars relative to section/discipline.
• Write reports under the direction of Criminalist II-IV, if appropriate to the assignment.
• Can perform casework as a full-time working analyst after the successful completion of the in-house training program and applicable competency test.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Minimum four (4) years’ bachelor’s degree in a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field. Entry‑level apprentice/trainee. No professional experience is required. Preference is given to applicants with one (1) year of laboratory experience or six (6) months of applicable laboratory experience and a graduate degree that includes relevant laboratory coursework.

• Knowledge of routine laboratory safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to receive and prepare reagents and solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to communicate with investigators, ADA’s, and the courts.
• Knowledge of crime scene and vehicle processing.
• Familiar with equipment and instrumentation within assigned/relevant section/disciplines.
• Report writing.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, quality assurance, laboratory paperwork, terminology, and core operations of the Forensic Division.
• Must be familiar with courtroom procedures and may present expert testimony on results of analysis, tests, and examinations in federal, state, and local courts.
• Can process a crime scene, vehicle, or complex case (i.e., homicide) independently, when applicable.
• General working knowledge of all disciplines within the Forensic Division.
• Ability to interpret test results.
• Familiar with laboratory sections/disciplines.
• Knowledge of working lab, including QA/QC, competency and proficiency testing, standards, and controls.
• Knowledge of evidence collection, packaging, documentation, processing, and preservation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of chain of custody.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Criminal Record Check Required

Required.

Pre‑Employment Drug and Physical Required

Required.

Terms

Boston Residency Is Required

Union/Salary Plan/Grade

Forensic Group of the BPD Detectives / CRM‑I

Hours per Week

35

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries

Government Administration

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