TOTAL COMPENSATION: $71,655.47 - $100,282.76 - Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.  
 
 The starting pay will begin at $26.91 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.  
 
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The Forensic Specialist is a technical, criminal identification position in the Spokane County Sheriff's Office 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 - Documents MUST be uploaded with your application:

• 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)
• Official Transcripts from the school of your highest level of education and/or transcripts showing proof of your highest degree obtained. All transcripts must be official documents; they cannot be uploaded by applicants to your application.

Accepted methods for transcript submission:

1. Electronic Submission: If your school distributes official, electronic transcripts, have your school registrar email the official transcripts directly to: CS@SpokaneCounty.org (electronic transcripts will ONLY be accepted if sent directly by the school registrar or their 3rd party affiliate; applicants may not email transcripts directly)
2. Alternate Arrangements: If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please email: LSchwebs@SpokaneCounty.org to make alternate arrangements.

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of complete applications.
 
 Promotional Applicants: Please review the following requirements:

• 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; must be uploaded with your application; See RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied)

**IF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED TO CIVIL SERVICE BY THE CLOSING DEADLINE, THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS. **  

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TESTING DATE:
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be sent a Training & Experience form. *Non-promotional applicants will also be sent a Personal History Statement / Background Packet that needs to be submitted along with their Training & Experience Form.
 
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS: Date to be determined depending on the number of qualified applications received.
 
Overall Placement on the eligibility list will be determined by 50% Training & Experience Form and 50% oral board interview score. An overall combined score of at least 70% must be achieved in order to be placed on the eligibility list. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: All interviews must be conducted in-person at the applicant's expense. No online/virtual, over-the-phone, or outside testing facilities are permitted. No exceptions.
 

**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 the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).   

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. 

Required to be available for call outs on evenings and weekends. 

Perform related duties as assigned.

At least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident, who can read and write the English language. Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major studies in forensic science, criminal justice, or other areas 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. 

OPEN ENTRY: In addition, applicants must have an equivalent to at least two (2) years’ full-time Criminal Justice employment in friction ridge examination, forensic crime scene investigation, or a combination thereof. 

Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision and hearing correctable to normal ranges. Must possess and retain a valid motor vehicle operator's license at date of hire and throughout employment.

PROMOTIONAL: Current Spokane County Forensic Technicians who are in good standing and have passed a minimum of one (1) year probation will qualify.

Knowledge of: 

• Friction ridge examination and the ACE-V methodology
• Processing and documentation of latent fingerprints
• Crime scene processing and documentation to include photography

• Exercising independent judgment and thinking on your feet
• Working as a team and performing duties in concert with other investigators

• 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

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:

All employees of the Spokane County Sheriff’s 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 Sheriff’s 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.