At a Glance
- Tasks: Examine firearms and ammunition, provide expert forensic support, and present evidence in court.
- Company: Join a leading forensic team supporting major criminal investigations across Merseyside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in forensic practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the justice system while working with cutting-edge forensic techniques.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline and extensive knowledge of firearms and ballistics required.
The predicted salary is between 33603 - 39276 £ per year.
Investigative Support
Grade E - £33,603 - £39,276
Permanent Full Time - 36.5 hours per week
Please note staff currently in the Internal re-deployment pool will be considered in the first instance, and the role may be withdrawn without notice.
Are you an experienced forensic professional with specialist knowledge of firearms, ammunition and ballistics? Do you have the expertise to provide authoritative technical advice, lead accredited forensic processes and present complex evidence in court? We are seeking a highly skilled Forensic Firearms Examiner and Technical Lead to maximise the effectiveness of forensic evidence through the examination, classification and interpretation of firearms, ammunition and ballistic material. This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in supporting major criminal investigations across Merseyside and the wider North West Region while leading key areas of forensic quality assurance and accreditation.
The Role
As a subject matter expert, you will examine and classify firearms and ammunition, assess the kinetic energy and functionality of air weapons, and provide expert forensic interpretation to support investigations and prosecutions. You will work closely with investigators, prosecutors and partner agencies, ensuring every forensic opportunity is identified and maximised.
You will attend crime scenes where required, provide specialist advice throughout investigations, and support the prosecution process through the preparation of expert reports, witness statements and court testimony. In addition, you will act as Technical Lead for kinetic energy assessment, validation activities and accreditation requirements, ensuring compliance with national quality standards and regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Examine firearms, ammunition and ballistic material to determine legal classification, functionality and evidential value.
- Provide specialist forensic support and advice for firearms investigations, from initial strategy through to prosecution.
- Attend scenes and conduct forensic firearm examinations and triage activities where appropriate.
- Maintain the continuity, integrity and audit trail of exhibits and forensic evidence.
- Coordinate submissions to the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NaBIS) and maintain accurate records across relevant systems.
- Prepare expert witness reports and provide evidence in court, pre-trial conferences and other judicial proceedings.
- Lead and maintain UKAS accreditation activities, including validation, technical procedure reviews, proficiency testing and non-conformance investigations.
- Supervise, train and mentor staff, supporting competency development and professional growth.
- Conduct peer reviews, audits and quality assurance activities to ensure the validity and reliability of forensic results.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance forensic capability and operational effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, information management standards and forensic regulatory requirements.
About You
You will be a highly motivated forensic professional with extensive experience in firearms examination and the ability to operate independently in a complex and demanding environment.
You will possess:
- A degree in a scientific discipline, equivalent Level 6 qualification, and/or substantial relevant professional experience.
- Extensive knowledge of firearms, ammunition, ballistics and forensic examination processes.
- Experience working within an accredited quality management environment, such as UKAS, ISO 17020 or ISO 17025.
- Strong understanding of the Firearms Act and associated legislation, together with criminal investigation and evidential procedures.
- Experience producing high-quality technical reports and presenting expert evidence within the criminal justice system.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-specialist audiences.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- The capability to manage competing priorities whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality standards.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong IT skills and experience using digital forensic or evidential recording systems.
Firearms Examiner in Liverpool employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firearms Examiner in Liverpool
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like All The Top Bananas and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Firearms Examiner in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at All The Top Bananas will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join All The Top Bananas specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with All The Top Bananas. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
