Become a Lead Gunsmith

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Under direction, to work with and to lead and direct the work of gunsmiths in the maintenance and repair of small firearms; to have responsibility for the safe and proper operation of weapons prior to issue to employees; to instruct employees in the care and maintenance of weapons; to conduct ballistics testing; and to do other related work.

Lead Gunsmith 

Lays out, leads, directs and assists gunsmiths with the work and performs the duties of a journeyperson in the maintenance and repair of small arms; trains staff in the maintenance and repair of new equipment, such as automatic weapons, as the new equipment comes on line; solicits competitive pricing; contracts and negotiates with outside vendors for parts and servicing contracts; maintains inventory of supplies and equipment; maintains reference materials and service records on all departmental weapons; maintains Special Delegation fund; prepares annual weapon repair budget; conducts ballistics testing on weapons and bullets and acts as expert witness; instructs officer trainees and field weapons officer training courses on weapon maintenance; has the final level of review of all repaired weapons prior to return to individual officers.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,914 - $5,888 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I
One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of Gunsmith.

Or II
Four years of experience at the journeyperson level, within the last ten years, in repairing small arms and accessory equipment. (Satisfactory completion of a certificated program in gunsmithing at an accredited college or gunsmith school may be substituted for two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge: 
The construction, operation, maintenance and repair, and standards of serviceability of parts of the various types and models of weapons used by the department, tools, gauges, and equipment used in the repair and testing of small arms; shop mathematics sufficient to use testing devices and measuring instruments such as micrometers and gauges; the techniques and equipment used in ballistics testing; regulations and procedures governing contracts and procurement of parts and supplies; record keeping; principles of effective supervising.

Ability to: 
Read and write at a level appropriate for the work; locate and identify defects or malfunctions in small arms and make appropriate repair; review the work of other gunsmiths; test small arms for safe and proper operation; keep records and make reports; negotiate with vendors; maintain supplies; demonstrate weapons maintenance to officer trainees and field weapons officers in formal training classes; instruct and supervise assistants; follow oral and written direction; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the work.

Additional Desirable Qualifications
Experience as a lead gunsmith or supervisor of gunsmiths and/or experience as a firearms, weapons safety or gunsmithing instructor in an accredited college or gunsmith school.
Status Exam # Cutoff Date
Open 1318 Until filled View Exam Posting

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!