What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Unit Supervisor (Civil Service) position at Spokane County Washington?
Job Summary
This includes oversight of the Spokane County public fingerprint counter, crime scene response, latent processing, latent print comparisons, firearms, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), and Rapid DNA program.
Incumbent must have a technical background in the primary disciplines handled by the lab, friction ridge examination, and crime scene investigations. Incumbent may be expected to perform technical and administrative reviews.
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TOTAL COMPENSATION: $87,161.92 - $122,073.22 annually. 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 $32.74 on the pay scale, with 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 position. All work will be performed in-person on site and/or in the field. *
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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 (Must be uploaded with your application; front side only)
- 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)
- 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 (if applicable; Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients)
- Copy of training records relevant to the position
- Copy of IAI Latent Print Examiner Certification or IAI Crime Scene Investigator Certification
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 official transcript submission:
- PREFERRED: 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.
OPEN ENTRY APPLICANTS: 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
- 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 WITH APPLICATION 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 by a specified due date prior to the Oral Board Interview.
Oral Board Interview: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Spokane, WA - By invitation only for applicants who submit their Training & Experience Forms prior to the deadline.
An overall combined score of at least 70% must be achieved in order to be placed on the eligibility list.
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.
Perform various supervisory duties within the Forensic Unit; attendance, scheduling, evaluations, budget planning.
Assess equipment for current suitability, serviceability, maintenance, and future needs.
Devise training plans to meet the current and future needs of the individual employees as well as the unit as a whole.
Assign personnel and/or respond for call outs to crime scenes.
Perform friction ridge examinations.
Perform technical and administrative review of reports.
Document performance issues and work with the Lieutenant overseeing the Forensic Unit to develop and evaluate Corrective Action Reviews.
Keep current on developments within forensic science.
Work within a quality management system to update policies and procedures as needed.
Provide expert testimony in court.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must be a minimum age of 21 years old at the time of application.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must qualify in ALL of the following categories:
- Earned a Bachelor’s 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 five (5) years of full-time technical experience in friction ridge examination and/or crime scene investigation.
- Must be an International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Latent Print Examiner OR an International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Crime Scene Investigator.
- Must have expert witness testimony experience in a court of law.
A valid driver’s 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 Sheriff’s Office’s Background Investigation Unit prior to being hired by the Spokane County Sheriff’s 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.
- Required to be available for evening and weekend call outs; be available to ensure all call outs are covered.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:
- 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
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience
Knowledge of:
- Current industry guidelines and standards as they pertain to forensic applications
- ISO 17020 or ISO 17025 and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) supplemental requirements for a forensic laboratory
Skilled in:
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
- Coaching, guiding and directing personnel
- Efficiently organizing work and projects
Ability to:
- Plan, supervise, schedule, train and evaluate work of subordinates
- Perform with initiative and independence
- Process crime scenes
- Perform friction ridge examinations
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
824 N Adams
Spokane, Washington, 99260
Salary : $87,162 - $122,073
