Forensic Technician (Civil Service)

Job Summary

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $58,883.76 - $82,419.80Total 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 $22.12 on the pay scale, 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.

The Forensic Technician is an entry-level technical, criminal identification position in the Spokane County Sheriff's Office responsible for latent print processing and crime scene investigation.

Forensic Technicians 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 latent print processing, photography, and crime scene investigation.

REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST- DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Copy of Valid Driver's License(Must be uploaded with your application; front side only)

• Copy of DD-214 Member Form 4 (if applicable- for military personnel only; Must be uploaded with your application; See RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied)

• Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA "Green Card"(if applicable; MUST be uploaded with your application; 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)

• Copy ofanytraining records or certifications relevant to the position

• Official Transcriptsfrom 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.

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: 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)
• Alternate Arrangements:If your school does not issue electronic transcripts, please email:CS@SpokaneCounty.orgto 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: 509-477-4711, x2.

DO NOT SUBMIT A RESUME;Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a complete application.

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

• APPLICANTS ON THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST WILL NEED TO RE-TEST*
• This job posting is to create an eligibility list only at this time. *

TESTING DATES:

Written Exam: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM OR 1:00 PM

Location: Spokane, WA 99224(by invitation only)

Complete applications that meet the minimum requirements will be sent instructions to self-schedule for one of the two written exam sessions.

All Civil Service written exams, oral board interviews, or any other interview involved with this position must be conducted in-person at the applicant's expense. No online, over-the-phone, or outside testing facilities are permitted. No exceptions. This position does not allow for remote testing; applicants will be required to travel to Spokane, WA to take a written exam in-person.

Suggested study subjects* for the written exam:

Pattern Recognition

General Crime Scenes

Photography

Fingerprinting

General Forensics

• There is no suggestedstudy material for this test.

Examples of Duties

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as an exclusive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, but only as a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all duties and may be required to perform additional, position specific duties.

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 thepotential evidentiary value ofballistics, soils, blood, DNA, poisons, fibers, document examinations, etc.

Process evidence for latent fingerprints using techniques suchas powders, chemicals, various light sources, and photography.

Photograph individuals to document injuries and appearance.

Attend autopsies and photograph various phases for court purposes.

Perform employee portrait and public relations photography.

Maintain accurate documentation and generate reports of findings.

Provide expert testimony in court.

Required to be available for callouts on evenings and weekends.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

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.

At least 21 years of age. Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in forensic science, criminal justice or other areas having a close bearing on forensics OR current employment with a law enforcement agency working within the criminal justice field with knowledge of either basic crime scene or latent prints and possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area of study.

This degree requirement is not intended to disqualify friction ridge examiners and crime scene investigators who are already trained to competency.

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 hire and throughout employment.

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.

Selection Factors

Knowledge of:

• Friction ridge skin - pattern types and the use of fingerprints for identification

• Processing and documentation of latent fingerprints

• Crime scene processing and documentation to include photography

Skilled in:

• Exercising independent judgment 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

• Operate computer using specialized programs such as Adobe Photoshop or other photographic reproduction systems

• Become Crime Scene Certified through International Association for Identification