Forensic Ballistic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zimmerman Associates, Inc. is preparing for an exciting federal contract opportunity and is looking to identify skilled professionals who want to make an impact.

If you have experience in managing the daily activities of an organization's contractor operations, implementing policies and procedures, and initiatives to ensure efficient operations, we'd love to hear from you.  

What You'll Do: 

As a Site Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing contractor operations supporting ATF Crime Gun Intelligence (CGI) Field Offices, Firearms Operations Divisions (FOD), NIBIN Branches, Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and the NIBIN mobile fleet. This position ensures operational excellence in ballistic evidence processing, intelligence development, firearm tracing, acquisition, correlation reviews, test firing (as authorized), and evidentiary chain-of-custody compliance. Th Site Manager serves as the primary liaison between contractor personnel and ATF leadership, ensuring mission performance standards are met while maintaining strict adherence to forensic and evidentiary protocols.

• Oversee contractor personnel supporting ATF Field Offices, CGICs, and NIBIN sites.
• Ensure timely entry of ballistic evidence into NIBIN, including support to NIBIN mobile units.
• Supervise intelligence pooling efforts across NIBIN results, RMS event data, and other investigative systems.
• Ensure development and dissemination of actionable crime gun intelligence leads.
• Monitor daily use and data entry within:
  • ATF e-Trace system (firearm tracing)
  • NIBIN Enforcement Support System (NESS)
  • Local Record Management Systems (RMS)
• Ensure personnel analyze and draft intelligence reports, case summaries, and success stories.
• Oversee accurate identification and tracing of firearms using established ATF systems.
• Ensure reporting timelines and performance metrics are consistently met.

• Manage contractor support within ATF NIBIN Branch locations:
  • Ammendale, MD
  • Dublin, CA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Springfield, VA
• Ensure compliance within an evidentiary chain-of-custody environment.
• Oversee:
  • Acquisition of digital ballistic images
  • Correlation reviews (both internal and inter-site support)
  • Preparation of NIBIN lead reports and case reports
  • Lead dissemination to investigators
• Ensure all scientific procedures are properly documented using standard forms and terminology.
• Monitor adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Oversee authorized test firing activities in accordance with ATF approval.
• Ensure case-by-case documentation and approval for test firing outside ATF facilities.
• Ensure compliance with approved test fire training plans.
• Supervise firearm identification and ammunition component identification processes.
• Ensure proper recording and documentation of all forensic test results.

• Oversee contractor support to the NIBIN mobile fleet (currently 3 vans and 1 command vehicle; subject to change).
• Ensure mobile labs maintain operational readiness equivalent to stationary NIBIN Branches.
• Supervise:
  • Triage of cartridge casings
  • Acquisition
  • Correlation reviews
  • Authorized test firing
• Ensure on-site training incorporates best practices for mobile lab operations.
• Coordinate logistics, staffing assignments, and surge support as needed.

• Ensure strict compliance with evidentiary chain-of-custody requirements.
• Oversee documentation accuracy, forensic terminology usage, and adherence to scientific standards.
• Conduct performance monitoring and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
• Ensure contractor personnel operate in accordance with ATF policies, forensic best practices, and contractual requirements.
• Support audit readiness and inspection requirements.

• Supervise site personnel across CGI, FOD, CGIC, NIBIN Branch, and mobile lab environments.
• Coordinate staffing assignments to meet operational demands.
• Ensure proper training, certification, and qualification of contractor personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development guidance.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and mission focus.

• Serve as the primary contractor point of contact for ATF site leadership.
• Provide regular operational reports, performance metrics, and status updates.
• Support identification and documentation of crime gun intelligence success stories.
• Participate in coordination meetings with ATF and partner law enforcement agencies.

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, intelligence studies, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience managing operations in a forensic, law enforcement, or evidentiary environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising technical or intelligence personnel.
• Experience working with ballistic imaging systems, firearm identification, or forensic laboratory procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody protocols and evidentiary handling standards.
• Experience with intelligence systems, investigative reporting, or case management tools.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

• Prior experience supporting ATF, NIBIN, CGIC, or federal law enforcement programs.
• Familiarity with ATF e-Trace, NESS, and RMS systems.
• Experience supporting mobile forensic or field-based lab environments.
• Knowledge of firearms identification and ammunition component analysis.
• Experience in performance-based government contracts.

• Operational leadership
• Forensic process oversight
• Crime gun intelligence development
• Evidence management & chain-of-custody compliance
• Government contract performance management
• Quality assurance & SOP compliance
• Stakeholder coordination
• Mobile operations management

This position operates within secure law enforcement and forensic environments, including ATF Field Offices, NIBIN Branches, CGICs, and mobile forensic laboratories. Travel may be required to support field operations and mobile fleet deployments.

The Site Manager supports ATF's mission to identify and disrupt armed violent offenders, criminal organizations, and firearms traffickers through timely and accurate crime gun intelligence development.

ZAI is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with Federal and State Equal Opportunity Laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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