The starting pay will begin at $27.72 on the pay scale; incumbent will have a pay increase after six (6) full months of employment and will have annual increases thereafter, maxing out at the top step of the pay scale.
* This is not a remote-work position; all work will be performed in-person on site and/or in the field. * *************************************************************************************************************
The Forensic Specialist is a technical, criminal identification position in the Spokane County Sheriffs Office Forensic Unit responsible for friction ridge examinations and crime scene investigations.
Forensic Specialists perform extremely critical work in the identification of criminal offenders through the collection, preservation, and evaluation of physical evidence obtained from crime scenes. Primary functions of this position include friction ridge examination, photography, and crime scene investigation.
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REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST:
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
Open Entry Applicants ONLY:
- Copy of Valid Driver's License (front side only)
- Copy of any training records or certifications relevant to the position
- Copy of DD-214 Member Form 4 ( if applicable; see RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied )
- Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA "Green Card" ( if applicable; front side only )
- Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card / Form I-797 (Notice of Action) / Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, if applicable )
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR OR THEIR THIRD-PARTY AFFILIATE:
Official transcripts from the school of your highest level of education and/or transcripts showing proof of your highest degree obtained must be submitted to the Civil Service office in order to move forward in the hiring process. All transcripts must be official documents; they cannot be uploaded by applicants to your application.
Examples: if you graduated high school and have some college credits, but no degree, you will need to order BOTH high school and your college transcripts; if you have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree and no additional college, then only order the transcript showing proof of your degree; if you have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree plus additional college, please order BOTH college transcripts, etc.
Accepted methods for transcript submission:
- Electronic Submission: If your school distributes official, electronic transcripts, have your school registrar email the official transcripts directly to: ... (electronic transcripts will ONLY be accepted if sent directly by the school registrar or their 3rd party affiliate; applicants may not email transcripts directly)
- Alternate Arrangements: If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please email: ... to make alternate arrangements.
If you have already submitted official transcripts to Civil Service, do NOT resubmit. If you are unsure, please contact our office to verify. Phone:..., x2.
OPEN ENTRY APPLICANTS: Please DO NOT submit a resume; resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
Promotional Applicants ONLY:
- Professional Resume - 2 pages maximum
- Copy of training records with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (these can be downloaded from SETS)
- Copy of DD-214 - Member Form 4 ( if applicable; See RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied )
**ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY CIVIL SERVICE BEFORE AN APPLICANT IS PERMITTED TO TAKE THE EXAM. IF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UPLOADED OR SUBMITTED TO CIVIL SERVICE, THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.**
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TESTING INFORMATION:
Training & Experience Form :
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit complete applications by the closing deadline will be emailed a Training & Experience Form after the position closes, to be completed and submitted by the given deadline.
Oral Board Interviews :
Date to be determined based on the number of applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit complete applications by the closing deadline.
Overall Placement on the eligibility list will be determined by 50% Training & Experience Form score, 50% Oral Board Interview score, and additional points per RCW and Civil Service Rules. An overall combined score of at least 70% must be achieved in order to be placed on the eligibility list. Additional points will not be added until a passing score of 70% has been achieved.
**This job posting is to create a merged eligibility list from which all Forensic Specialist positions in the Spokane County Sheriff's Office will be filled; applicants already on the eligibility list need not re-apply.**
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as an exclusive list of all essential job functions performed by all employees in this classification, but only as a representative summary of the primary job functions and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all job functions and may be required to perform additional, position specific tasks.Process and document crime scenes with or without the assistance of additional Forensic staff by taking all necessary photographs and/or video, searching for latent fingerprints, collecting items of evidence, and preserving them for further analysis.
Recognize evidence and have a working knowledge of the potential evidentiary value of tool marks, ballistics, soils, blood, DNA, poisons, fibers, document examinations, etc.
Process evidence for latent fingerprints using such techniques as powders, chemicals, various light sources, and photography.
Perform friction ridge examinations and run searches in an automated identification system (MBIS).
Attend autopsies and photograph various phases for court purposes; collect post-mortem fingerprints.
Maintain accurate documentation and generate reports of finding.
Provide expert testimony in court.
Be available for call outs on evenings and weekends, as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Must be a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient; must be able to speak, read, and write the English language; high school diploma or GED.
Applicants must be a minimum age of 21 years old at the time of application.
OPEN ENTRY APPLICANTS: In addition to the above requirements, applicants must qualify in ALL of the following categories:
- Earned a Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in forensic science, natural science, criminal justice, or related fields having close bearing on forensics. This degree requirement is not intended to disqualify friction ridge examiners and crime scene investigators who are already trained to competency. (certificates and training records will be requested to verify training)
- Obtained a combined total equivalent to at least two (2) years of full-time technical employment in friction ridge examination and/or forensic crime scene investigation.
PROMOTIONAL APPLICANTS: Current Spokane County Forensic Technicians who are in good standing and have successfully passed a minimum of one (1) year probation will qualify.
A valid drivers license is required at the time of application and must be retained throughout employment.
Incumbent is required to undergo and successfully complete a full background investigation with the Spokane County Sheriffs Offices Background Investigation Unit prior to being hired by the Spokane County Sheriffs Office.
DEPARTMENTAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision.
- Hearing correctable to normal ranges.
- Strength sufficient to safely lift up to 50 pounds, occasionally.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Respond to scenes that may be considered graphic and/or grossly offensive to human senses.
- Be available for evening and weekend call outs.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:
All employees of the Spokane County Sheriffs Office are responsible for contributing to a safe, productive, and positive work environment, by being self-motivated and actively demonstrating the core values of the Sheriffs Office in their daily work and interactions:
- Respect : Appreciating and valuing customers, co-workers, managers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness, and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
- Accountability : Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; a team player that helps the organization meet its objectives by taking initiative; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
- Integrity : Positively represents the organization and the County by modeling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
- Innovation : Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures, or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement, empowerment, and embracing continuous improvement.
Knowledge of:
- Friction ridge examination and the ACE-V methodology
- Processing and documentation of latent fingerprints
- Crime scene processing and documentation to include photography
Skilled in:
- Exercising independent judgement and thinking on your feet
- Working as a team and performing duties in concert with other investigators
Ability to:
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Write clear, accurate, and concise reports
- Use digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop or other photographic reproduction systems
- Become Latent Print Certified through International Association for Identification
- Become Crime Scene Certified through International Association for Identification
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