FORENSIC BALLISTICS SPECIALIST

What Milwaukee can offer YOU  

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.  

The City of Milwaukee offers a collaborative, positive work environment where each employee contributes to making the city the best place possible to live and work. 

Assigned to the Intelligence Fusion Center within the Milwaukee Police Department, the Forensic Ballistics Specialist is responsible for analyzing, correlating and disseminating crime gun intelligence derived from the forensic examination of firearms and cartridge casings.   

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Milwaukee Police Department is a 24 hour/ 365 days per year operation. The Forensic Ballistics Specialist position is subject to working weekends, holidays, different shifts and call in for emergencies. The normal hours for this position are second shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.).

• Using microscopy, measuring devices, photography and the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) imaging techniques, examines physical evidence associated with criminal firearms cases.
• Handles, operates and test fires a variety of firearm and ammunition types following industry standards for safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records pertaining to firearm and casing examinations and file reports of findings for investigative leads.
• Interpret, analyze and evaluate IBIS and/or firearm examination results and prepares draft statistical reports for department commanders. 
• Clean and maintain firearms and examine related resources such as bullet recovery systems, ranges and tools.
• Collect, analyze and interpret ballistic firearm and casing data received from Federal, State and other law enforcement agencies.  

 Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• The selected candidate must pass a Milwaukee Police Department background examination prior to appointment as well as pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical examination.
• Ability to obtain the Criminal Justice Information Service clearance within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment.
• This is a second shift position with normal work hours being from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• The Milwaukee Police Department is a 24 hour/ 365 days per year operation and this position is subject to working weekends, holidays, different shifts and being called in for emergencies. 
• Must wear and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) standard to firearms testing, including the use of common and specialized safety equipment (i.e. gloves, glasses, hearing protection, face shield, bullet proof vest), as required.
• Must have visual acuity to perform work at close visual range including the use of microscope, firearm testing equipment, visual inspection of small parts, and use of measuring devices.
• Must have manual dexterity to grasp and finger small parts such as ammunition and shell casings and to operate firearm testing equipment.

1. Associate’s Degree in forensic science, criminal justice, physics or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Obtain the Criminal Justice Information Service clearance within six months of appointment and maintain throughout employment.
3. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, physics or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience, including internship, in Firearms and Tool Mark examination.
• Experience using BRASSTRAX or MATCHPOINT Integrated Ballistics Identification Systems (IBIS).
• Experience identifying firearms and ammunition types.
• Full-time law enforcement experience.

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data associated with forensics ballistics, specifically firearms, ammunition and casings, using quantitative and qualitative methodology.
• Ability to prepare and present statistical reports.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in completing assigned tasks. 
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to effectively prepare and present findings to command-level officers and other local, state and federal law enforcement officials, including testimony in court proceedings.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office products such as Excel and Word in order to conduct research, analyze data, and effectively present and communicate findings.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and prioritize work to achieve objectives within deadlines.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with command staff, co-workers, and designees from Federal, State and other law enforcement agencies. 

The current salary range (Pay Range 2HN) for City of Milwaukee residents is $54,942 - $76,806 annually and the non-resident salary range is $53,594 - $74,922 annually.   Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS  

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits2017.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.  

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after August 4, 2017. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice.  However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.  

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, http:city.milwaukee.gov/jobs
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.    
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.     

 The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.