What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Unit Supervisor (Civil Service) position at Spokane County?
Under the general direction of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Persons Division Lieutenant, the Forensic Unit Supervisor is responsible for supervisory functions of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Desired Qualifications:
- 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
Salary : $68,095 - $95,370
