Forensic Technician (Civil Service)

Spokane County; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit is seeking an entry-level Forensic Technician to support latent print processing, crime scene investigation, photography, and evidence documentation on-site. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Key duties include processing crime scenes, developing latent fingerprints, photographing evidence, preparing reports, and potentially providing expert testimony.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field, or a Bachelor's with law enforcement background.
• Must be able to pass background check and meet citizenship/residency requirements.
• Must be able to communicate in English (read, write, speak).
• Must be able to work on-site and potentially on-call.
• Professional knowledge of latent fingerprinting and crime scene processing is essential.

Responsibilities

• Process and document crime scenes; take photographs and video as needed.
• Search for latent fingerprints; collect evidence and preserve for analysis.
• Use powders, chemicals, light sources for latent print development; photography.
• Operate Rapid DNA instrument for presumptive profiling.
• Provide expert testimony in court when required.
• Be available for evening and weekend callouts as needed.

Skills

Latent fingerprints

Crime scene processing

Photography

Report writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science

Bachelor’s degree in any field with law enforcement knowledge

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Rapid DNA instrument

Job description

Employee Type: Regular Department: Sheriff Salary: $59,571.20 - $82,971.20 Annually / $4,964.27 - $6,914.27 Monthly / $28.64 - $39.89 Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Overtime Eligible: Yes Job Posting Date Range: 09/01/2026 - Until Filled

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

• Copy of Valid Driver's License (front side only)
• Copy of DD-214 Member-4 Form, NGB-22 Form, or equivalent (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)
• 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)

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 to the application by the applicant. Examples: If your highest level of education is high school or equivalent (GED), you would order ONLY your high school/GED transcript; if you graduated high school and have some college credits, but no degree, you will need to order BOTH high school and college transcripts; if you have an Associate's or higher degree and no additional college, then ONLY order the transcript showing proof of your highest degree; if you have an Associate's or higher degree plus additional college, please order BOTH college transcripts, etc. Accepted methods for transcript submission: PREFERRED - Electronic Submission: If your school distributes official, electronic transcripts, have your school registrar email the official transcripts directly to: [e-mail] (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: Only if your school does not issue electronic transcripts, sealed official transcripts may be mailed to: Spokane County Civil Service, 13033 W. SR 902, Spokane, WA 99224. If you have already submitted official transcripts to Spokane County Civil Service (including for previous applications), please do NOT resubmit. If you are unsure, please contact our office at 509-477-4711, extension 2 to verify.

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED. RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETE APPLICATIONS.

IF ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UPLOADED WITH AN APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED TO CIVIL SERVICE BY THE GIVEN DEADLINE, THE APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT BE ADVANCED.

Additional Information: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The posting will close promptly at 12:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Job Summary

The Forensic Technician is an entry-level technical, criminal identification position in the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit 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. This is not a remote-work position, all work will be performed in-person on site.

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. 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 at least one 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 a 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)
• Earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in any field of study and be a current full-time employee with a law enforcement agency, working within the criminal justice field, with knowledge of either basic crime scenes or latent prints.
• A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application and must be retained throughout employment.
• Applicant 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.

TESTING INFORMATION

Written Exam: DATE: Thursday, November 12, 2026 TIME: 9:00 AM -OR- 1:30 PM LOCATION: Spokane, WA 99224 (by invitation only) Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit complete applications will be sent instructions to self-schedule for one of the written exam sessions. All Civil Service written exams 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 subjects to study for the written exam: Pattern Recognition General Crime Scenes Photography Fingerprinting General Forensics. There is no suggested study material for this test.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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. Run qualifying samples in Rapid DNA instrument for presumptive profile generation or matching. Perform employee portrait and public relations photography. Maintain accurate documentation and generate reports of findings. Provide expert testimony in court. Be available for callouts on evenings and weekends, as required. Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• Be available for evening and weekend call outs.

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.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 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 judgement 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

Testing Requirements

Written Exam Total Compensation: $76,251 - $106,203 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.

Benefits: Here are just a few reasons:

• Community Impact: Many people find fulfillment in public service, knowing their work has a positive impact on the lives of Spokane County residents. Whether through public safety, infrastructure projects, or social services, employees can make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community.
• Diverse Job Opportunities: Spokane County employs a diverse workforce, offering positions in fields such as law enforcement, social services, animal control, parks and recreation, administration, and more. This diversity allows for many employment opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets.
• Job Stability and Benefits: Spokane County offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including healthcare, vacation time, and retirement and pension plans that provide long-term financial security for employees.
• Career Growth: There are various opportunities for career advancement within Spokane County. We invest in employee training and professional development, enhancing employees' skills and qualifications.
• Work-Life Balance: We emphasize work-life balance, with reasonable work hours and policies that support employee well-being. If you’re seeking stability and a predictable schedule, you’re in the right place!
• Inclusive Workplace Culture: Spokane County aims to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees.
• Spokane boasts: Natural Beauty: Spokane is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rivers, lakes, and nearby mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. From golf course to parks and trails along the Spokane River, there's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
• Affordable Living: Compared to many other cities on the West Coast, Spokane has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices are more affordable, making it easier to buy a home or rent.
• Four Seasons: Spokane experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring snowfall, making it ideal for those who enjoy seasonal variety.
• Cultural Scene: The city has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Events such as the Spokane Symphony and First Friday art walks contribute to the city's cultural richness.
• Community Feel: Spokane is known for its friendly and welcoming community. It has a strong sense of local pride and community involvement.
• Educational Opportunities: The city is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational and cultural opportunities. This includes Gonzaga University, Washington State University Spokane, Whitworth University, and Eastern Washington University.
• Healthcare Facilities: Spokane boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.
• Family-Friendly: With good schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous family-oriented activities, Spokane is a great place to raise a family.
• Central Location: Spokane's location in eastern Washington makes it a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. It's close to other major cities like Seattle and Portland, as well as outdoor destinations like national parks and recreation areas.
• Overall, Spokane offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural amenities, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live and work!