New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Senior Forensic Scientist - Firearms and Tool Marks
New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Santa Fe, New Mexico, us, 87503
Senior Forensic Scientist – Firearms and Tool Marks
Agency
Department of Public Safety
Posting End Date
11/07/2025
Job ID
158948
Location
Santa Fe
Full/Part Time
Full‑Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular – PERM for State
Hourly Rate
$44.98 – $71.96
Annual Salary
$93,552 – $149,683
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory providing forensic analysis to 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony in DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints, and Controlled Substance Analysis. The laboratory serves Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides critical forensic analysis of firearms, ammunition, and toolmark evidence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions. The forensic scientist specializing in firearms and toolmarks applies scientific methods to identify and compare ballistic evidence, determine firearm operability, and link weapons or tools to specific crimes. Accurate, unbiased results and expert testimony in court help maintain the integrity of forensic evidence and contribute directly to justice and public safety.
Responsibilities
Firearms and Toolmark Analysis (50%): Examine firearms, ammunition, fired components, and toolmark evidence to determine characteristics, operability, and potential associations using comparative microscopy and other validated methods.
Casework Documentation and Testimony (20%): Prepare detailed reports of findings and provide expert witness testimony in court regarding examinations, conclusions, and scientific methodologies.
Quality Assurance and Peer Review (15%): Participate in technical and administrative reviews of casework to ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, accreditation standards, and quality assurance procedures.
Support Functions and Training (15%): Maintain proficiency through continuing education and contribute to lab operations by assisting with validations, audits, safety practices, and training of personnel or law enforcement partners.
Customers
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Agencies in New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
A bachelor's degree in any discipline, or an associate's degree plus two (2) years of additional firearms and toolmarks laboratory experience, or four (4) years of additional toolmarks laboratory experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, or any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Pre‑employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of Federal and State law.
Must be felony‑free per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
Valid driver’s license and current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico.
Compliance with pre‑employment and random drug testing.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; exposure to noise from equipment and instruments. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. This position is designated as safety sensitive.
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Department of Public Safety
Posting End Date
11/07/2025
Job ID
158948
Location
Santa Fe
Full/Part Time
Full‑Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular – PERM for State
Hourly Rate
$44.98 – $71.96
Annual Salary
$93,552 – $149,683
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory is an accredited forensic laboratory providing forensic analysis to 300 law enforcement agencies and judicial partners. Scientists provide expert witness testimony in DNA/Biology, Firearms/Tool Marks, Latent Prints, and Controlled Substance Analysis. The laboratory serves Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides critical forensic analysis of firearms, ammunition, and toolmark evidence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions. The forensic scientist specializing in firearms and toolmarks applies scientific methods to identify and compare ballistic evidence, determine firearm operability, and link weapons or tools to specific crimes. Accurate, unbiased results and expert testimony in court help maintain the integrity of forensic evidence and contribute directly to justice and public safety.
Responsibilities
Firearms and Toolmark Analysis (50%): Examine firearms, ammunition, fired components, and toolmark evidence to determine characteristics, operability, and potential associations using comparative microscopy and other validated methods.
Casework Documentation and Testimony (20%): Prepare detailed reports of findings and provide expert witness testimony in court regarding examinations, conclusions, and scientific methodologies.
Quality Assurance and Peer Review (15%): Participate in technical and administrative reviews of casework to ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, accreditation standards, and quality assurance procedures.
Support Functions and Training (15%): Maintain proficiency through continuing education and contribute to lab operations by assisting with validations, audits, safety practices, and training of personnel or law enforcement partners.
Customers
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Agencies in New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
A bachelor's degree in any discipline, or an associate's degree plus two (2) years of additional firearms and toolmarks laboratory experience, or four (4) years of additional toolmarks laboratory experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, or any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
Employment Requirements
Pre‑employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of Federal and State law.
Must be felony‑free per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
Valid driver’s license and current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico.
Compliance with pre‑employment and random drug testing.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a forensic laboratory setting; exposure to chemicals and biological fluids; statewide travel in car and/or small aircraft required when needed. Work under stressful situations with strict deadlines. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting and bending; exposure to noise from equipment and instruments. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. This position is designated as safety sensitive.
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