Forensic Specialist

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 an automated identification system (MBIS).
• 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.
• Be available for call outs on evenings and weekends, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

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.

OPEN ENTRY APPLICANTS:
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 two (2) years of full-time technical employment in friction ridge examination and/or forensic crime scene investigation.

PROMOTIONAL APPLICANTS:

• Current Spokane County Forensic Technicians who are in good standing and have successfully passed a minimum of one (1) year probation will qualify.

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.
• Be available for evening and weekend call outs.

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 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
• 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

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!