Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) - Direct Hire (Open Continuous Announcement)

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory in Wichita, Kansas. Laboratory work encompasses a broad range of responsibilities critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime.

This is an open continuous announcement, open until July 10, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Qualifications:

To qualify for the position of Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner), at GS-1301-12, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Requirements

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized experience must include all of:

• Physically examining and microscopically comparing a wide variety of firearm/toolmark evidence from criminal investigations; AND
• Performing microscopic comparative testing of firearm/toolmark evidence to determine if they share a common origin; AND
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations and comparisons of firearm/toolmark evidence performed; AND
• Formal training or experience providing court testimony as an expert witness based on laboratory examinations of firearm/toolmark evidence.

Experience as a qualified forensic firearm examiner in an accredited crime laboratory is preferred.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent serves as a Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) in a Forensic Science Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) and is responsible providing forensic support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions and technical guidance to laboratory personnel. ATF Laboratory Services conducts scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyzes data connected with criminal investigations. Typical work assignments include:

• Performs forensic firearm/toolmark examinations with minimal technical guidance.
• Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare firearm/toolmark evidence in order to determine if they share a common origin.
• Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and interpretation of scientific results, and prepares laboratory reports.
• Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.

Salary : $89,508