Job Information
Spokane County Forensic Specialist (Civil Service) in Spokane, Washington
Forensic Specialist (Civil Service)
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Forensic Specialist (Civil Service)
Salary
$55,980.84 - $78,345.91 Annually
Location
WA 99260, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
24-00002
Department
Sheriff
Opening Date
01/02/2024
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
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.
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.
REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST - Documents MUST be uploaded with your application:
Open Entry Applicants: Please review the following required documents:
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.
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: 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. *
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 combine d 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.
Examples of Duties
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.
Minimum Requirements
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.
Selection Factors
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 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
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.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Are you a citizen of the United States or a Legal Permanent Resident who can read and write the English language? *Legal Permanent Residents MUST upload a copy of their valid resident card.
Yes, United States Citizen
Yes, Legal Permanent Resident
No
02
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Yes
No
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
04
Have you uploaded a copy of your current driver's license? Applications without this attachment will not be accepted.
Yes
No
05
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?
Yes
No
06
Do you have a Bachelor's degree 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.)
Yes
No
07
Open Entry Applicants: Have you contacted your school registrar(s) to submit official, electronic transcripts to: CS@spokanecounty.org? Official transcripts MUST be received by Civil Service in order to continue with the hiring process.
Yes
No
08
Do you have equivalent to at least two (2) years' full-time experience in friction ridge examination and/or crime scene investigation?
Yes
No
09
Applicants Seeking Promotion: Are you a current Spokane County Forensic Technician in good standing who has passed a minimum of one year (1) probation?
Yes
No
Does Not Apply
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment