Firearms Examiner
Merseyside PoliceMerseyside, United Kingdom, North West
AI insight: this role at a glance
This role involves examining and classifying firearms, ammunition, and ballistic material to support major criminal investigations. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled forensic professional with specialist knowledge of firearms, ammunition, and ballistics. The role suits an experienced forensic professional with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Key points
- Grade E, £33,603 - £39,276
- Permanent, full-time contract, 36.5 hours per week
- Location: Merseyside, United Kingdom
- Requires specialist knowledge of firearms, ammunition, and ballistics
- Opportunity to work on major criminal investigations and provide expert forensic interpretation
- Benefits include 25 days annual leave, Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to on-site gyms
You'll need
- 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
- Strong understanding of the Firearms Act and associated legislation
Helps to have
- Experience producing high-quality technical reports and presenting expert evidence
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts
- Strong IT skills and experience using digital forensic or evidential recording systems
How to stand out
- 1Ensure you meet the minimum skills and qualification criteria before applying
- 2Use the attached JDQ and CVF to prepare your supporting evidence
- 3Highlight your experience working within an accredited quality management environment
- 4Emphasize your ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-specialist audiences
- 5Showcase your strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- 6Demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development and staying up-to-date with legislative changes and forensic advancements
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Generated by AI from the advert text — it can miss detail or misread nuance. Always check the official advert and person specification before applying.
Job description
Firearms Examiner
Investigative Support
FIB
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
Forensic Firearms Examiner
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.
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.
How to apply
GovJobs does not take applications or send your details to the employer. Use the apply button to open the official Merseyside Police advert, then check the employer's instructions, attachments, person specification and closing time before applying.
This listing was last checked on 3 Aug 2026, 15:16. If the official advert has changed or closed, report it and we will review the listing.
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