Job Information
Spokane County Forensic Technician (Civil Service) in Spokane, Washington
Forensic Technician (Civil Service)
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Forensic Technician (Civil Service)
Salary
$46,002.94 - $64,390.47 Annually
Location
WA 99260, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
24-00133
Department
Sheriff
Opening Date
06/04/2024
Closing Date
7/26/2024 12:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $58,883.76 - $82,419.80 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 $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 of any training records or certifications relevant to the position
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: CS@SpokaneCounty.org 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: 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 suggested study 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 the potential evidentiary value of ballistics, soils, blood, DNA, poisons, fibers, document examinations, etc.
Process evidence for latent fingerprints using techniques such as 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
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).
2024 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.
2024 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, a Legal Permanent Resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient who can speak, read, and write the English language? *Legal Permanent Residents MUST upload a copy of their valid resident card. DACA recipients MUST upload a copy of their EAD card, Form I-797, or Form I-821D.
Yes, United States Citizen
Yes, Legal Permanent Resident
Yes, DACA recipient
No
02
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Yes
No
03
Do you have a valid driver's license at the time of this application and are you able to maintain such license throughout employment?
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 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
06
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
07
Are you currently employed with a law enforcement agency and working within the criminal justice field with knowledge of either basic crime scene or latent prints AND do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area of study.?
Yes
No
08
Because of their role in law enforcement, applicants are required to pass a thorough investigation of their background. Do you understand that if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you will be subject to a thorough background investigation?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment
