Forensic Lead Specialist (Civil Service)

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard

Employee Type:

Regular

Department:

Sheriff

Salary:

$65,332.80 - $91,000.00 Annually / $5,444.40 - $7,583.33 Monthly / $31.41 - $43.75 Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Overtime Eligibile:

Yes

Job Posting Date Range:

05/12/2026 - 06/11/2026

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST:

1.      THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• 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)

2.      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: [email protected] (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, June 10, 2026. The posting will close promptly at 12:00 AM on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Job Summary:

The Forensic Lead Specialist is responsible for training and technical knowledge within the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit.

Forensic Lead Specialists shall provide continuous training of all Forensic Specialists and Forensic Technicians in all aspects of their work in the Forensic Unit. This includes training on evidence processing, friction ridge examination, photography, and crime scene investigation.

*** This is not a remote position; all work will be performed in-person on site and/or in the field. ***

Job Description:

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.

A valid driver’s license is required at the time of application and must be retained throughout employment.

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 other 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.

• Obtained a combined total equivalent to at least five (5) years of full-time technical experience in friction ridge examination and/or forensic 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 (any level).

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.

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REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:

In addition to the above required documents, the following must also be submitted with your application:

• Copy of any Training Records and Certifications relevant to this position (Must be uploaded with your application)

• Copy of IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner certificate OR IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate (Must be uploaded with your application)

FOR CURRENT SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FORENSIC UNIT EMPLOYEES ONLY:

Instead of the required documents listed above, the following must be submitted with your application:

• Professional Resume - 2 pages maximum

• Copy of IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner certificate OR IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate (Must be uploaded with your application)

• Copy of Training Records with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (these can be downloaded from SETS)

• 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 to promotional exams)

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TESTING INFORMATION:

Training & Experience Form:

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and submit complete applications prior to the deadline will be emailed a Training & Experience (T&E) Form after the position closes to be completed and submitted by a specified due date. 

Oral Board Interview:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 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.

Create and maintain training curriculum for the Forensic Unit.

Provide or oversee training for Forensic Technicians and Forensic Specialists and maintain documentation of training.

Provide or oversee training to partnering law enforcement entities outside of the Forensic Unit on evidence processing and photography.

Keep current on developments within forensic science.

Perform technical reviews of Forensic Unit case work.

Perform friction ridge examinations.

Provide expert testimony in court.

 Be available for evening and weekend call outs, 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.

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATION:

Successful candidate must obtain the additional International Association for Identification certification (Certified Latent Print Examiner or Certified Crime Scene Examiner) within two (2) years of employment if not already obtained at the time of application.

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 examination and the ACE-V methodology

• An automated identification system (MBIS, ABIS or AFIS)

• Processing and documentation of latent fingerprints

• Crime scene processing and documentation to include photography

• Courtroom procedures and rules of evidence with reference to fingerprints and crime scenes

Skilled in:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing

• Coaching, guiding and directing personnel

• Use of digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop or other photographic reproduction systems

Ability to: 

• Establish and maintain accurate records

• Develop, plan, design and conduct training

• Verify and technically review friction ridge examinations

Testing Requirements:

Training & Experience Form and Oral Board Interview

Total Compensation:

$83,626 - $116,480 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.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA