Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To maintain serviceability of OPP and designated agency firearms by conducting maintenance and repair to prevent and correct malfunctions. To provide quality assurance of OPP ammunition.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Performs preventative maintenance by assessing and servicing OPP and designated agencies firearms to correct and prevent malfunctions by: disassembling the firearms and other weaponry; cleaning with solvents, degreasing and oiling; inspecting and determining service needs; replacing parts; performing adjustments; refinishing, refitting and/or modifying; reassembling the firearms and other weaponry and confirming serviceability by test firing; determines if firearms or weaponry are not deemed repairable, recommends destruction by condemnation as appropriate.

2. Assesses ammunition by determining and documenting specifications, i.e. physical measurements and type to ensure compliance with purchase specification and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacture's Institute (SAAMI) specifications. Evaluates ballistic performance (projectile and penetration capacity, burn rate, safety to fire in firearm(s)) using ammunition industry testing equipment to measure chamber pressure, velocity, time of flight, ballistic coefficient, projectile and powder weight and ballistic gelatine through various mediums to assess suitability for use.

3. Documents maintenance and repair work performed on firearms/weaponry. Prepares comprehensive technical reports, e.g., ammunition assessments, firearm accidental discharge investigations, etc. Provides technical information and advice on firearms, other weaponry and ammunition.

4. Retrieves and enters information into armoury computer database, to control transfers of assets, inventory of parts, configurations maintenance and update firearms/weaponry maintenance and repair history, and create work order(s).

5. Develops and maintain relationships with technical representatives of other agency Armourer's/Gunsmiths, major firearms and ammunition manufacturers to obtain information, special tools or parts and resolve problems, i.e. defective firearms, weaponry and ammunition, incomplete shipment, etc. Receives, reconciles and inspects ordered firearms/weaponry and ammunition.

6. Organizes, cleans and maintains Gun Shop tools, machinery and work environment to ensure security, safety and efficient operation. Restricts work areas during, and at the end of, every workday.

7. Designs, engineers and fabricates tools, fixtures, gauges and other required instruments for use in repairs, testing and evaluating firearms, weaponry and parts.

8. Maintains certification and training on all OPP and designated agency firearms, other weaponry and ammunition testing. Stays current with industry developments, new products, technology and information related to profession by attending workshops, conventions and shows.

9. Assists in any related special projects, as assigned, e.g., evaluation and selection of new firearms and ammunition for deployment to members, design and manufacture of special tools to aid in operations. Participates in special interest committees, scheduled inventory counts, staff meetings, professional development seminars, unit displays and conduct tours, as assigned.

10. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Staffing and Licensing Requirements:

Ability to pass an OPP background security investigation.
Possession of a valid Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence.
Ability to pass annual Firearms Safety training

Knowledge :

Knowledge of OPP firearm and other weaponry repair and servicing techniques and methodologies, i.e. malfunction assessment, correction and prevention; parts replacement, firing characteristics, etc. to maintain and repair firearms and weaponry.

Knowledge of ammunition testing quality assurance, ballistics testing and body armour performance standards in accordance with Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacture's Institute/American National Safety Institute (S.A.A.M.I/ANSI) and the Canadian General Standards board (CGSB). Knowledge of and ability to use ballistic testing equipment, e.g. chronograph, piezo-electric peak meter device and acoustic target, to evaluate ballistic performance.

Knowledge of firearms law and safe-handling rules and procedures as prescribed by the Canadian Firearms Center (CFC) guidelines for firearms safety.

Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and bio-hazardous substance safe-handling rules and procedures; knowledge of legislations such as Dangerous Goods and Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to maintain a safe and efficient operation.

Knowledge of specialized software designed for firearms and ammunition related applications; i.e. Firearms Reference Table, Ballistic Explorer, Sierra, etc.; knowledge of Weapons Services Section inventory control software, tracking procedures, and computer operations to change OPP firearm and other weaponry information in the inventory control program. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) to generate documents, spreadsheets, calendar, presentations and to correspond by email.

Knowledge of relevant OPP policies and procedures to ensure proper assignment of firearms/weaponry and accessories.

Knowledge of OPP organizational structure to communicate with employees.

INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Oral communication skills to discuss maintenance repair and malfunction issues relating to firearms to provide information and respond to enquiries.

Written communication skills are needed to prepare comprehensive technical reports; to document firearm and other weaponry maintenance, firing characteristics, malfunctions, correction, prevention services and ammunition performance with employees and designated agencies; and to respond to enquiries.

PROBLEM SOLVING/COMPLEXITY:

Problem solving and evaluative skills to recognize and assess OPP firearm and other weaponry malfunctions to determine repair, parts replacement, and function adjustment requirements, and to perform required service.

Problem solving skills, planning and organization are required to ensure timely and efficient OPP firearm and other weaponry repair, servicing, and parts replacement, and malfunction assessment, correction, and prevention.

Judgement :

Work is performed in accordance with established practices and procedures. Plans and prioritizes daily work with consideration of established deadlines, and completes work independently.

Determines if firearms or weaponry are repairable and if special tools need to be purchased or engineered.

Recommends destruction of firearms or weaponry and the procurement of special tools/equipment.

Exercises discretion, tact and diplomacy when resolving problems with technical representatives from other agencies.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHER EMPLOYEES:

There is no formal responsibility for the work of other employees.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Physical Demands:

· Heavy lifting, heavy moving, pushing, and pulling are needed to guide carts, loaded with OPP firearms, other weaponry, and ammunition, in the Gun Shop, and through hallways.

· Coordination and dexterity are required to repair and service OPP firearms and other weaponry, to use a computer keyboard, and to manoeuvre carts over limited floor space in the Gun Shop.

· Prolonged standing on a concrete floor is required when repairing and servicing OPP firearms and other weaponry, when providing over-the-counter service, and when assisting with inventory counts.

· Prolonged sitting is required when repairing and servicing OPP firearms and other weaponry, when recording work, when sending and receiving e-mails, and when assisting with inventory counts.

Requires hand and finger dexterity and hand/eye coordination when disassembling/assembling firearms and other weaponry, and in the use of various tools.

Sensory Demands:

Concentration and alertness are required to safely handle OPP firearms, other weaponry, corrosive products, and bio-hazardous substances.

Awareness of the limited floor space in the Gun Shop is required to avoid injury when moving around work areas while other employees and carts are also in the area.

Audio: listening for noises to aid in diagnosis

Visual: viewing of technical drawings, precision measuring to within .0001”.

Concentration: Ability to test all OPP firearms for accuracy within specifications. Ability to machine using shop tools within a tolerance of +/- .001”.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties are performed in an industrial machine shop environment. Work requires safe handling of firearms, other weaponry and ammunition. May be exposed to radioactive materials, chemicals, bio-hazardous substances, dust, noise, fumes, odours and lead. Requires wearing of safety footwear, and occasional hearing, eye protection and respiratory masks. Exposure to recoil and loud noises from gunfire, machinery, tools and high-pressure air hose.

Exposure to gunfire and shrapnel, requiring wearing of ballistic body armour.