Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.
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:
07/28/2026 - 08/25/2026
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 Monday, August 24, 2026. The posting will close promptly at 12:00 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Job Summary:
The Forensic Lead Specialist serves as the primary trainer and technical lead in either the latent print or crime scene discipline within the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office 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.
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.
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.
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REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS:
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 and/or IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate , if applicable.
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 Training Records with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (these can be downloaded from SETS)
Copy of IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner certificate and/or IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate , if applicable.
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:
Date to be determined (TBD) based upon the number of qualified applicants who submit complete T&Es by the due date.
Overall placement on the eligibility list will be determined by a combination of 50% Training & Experience Form score and 50% Oral Board Interview score, plus any additional points that may be awarded per RCW and Civil Service Rules. An overall combined score of at least 70% must be achieved in order to be placed on the eligibility list. Additional points will not be added until a passing score of 70% has been achieved.
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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 in the areas of evidence collection, friction ridge processing, and photography.
Keep current on developments within forensic science .
Perform technical reviews of Forensic Unit case work.
Provide expert testimony in court.
Perform friction ridge examinations.
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 International Association for Identification (IAI) 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:
Combined technical experience in both latent print examination and crime scene investigation and certification as an IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner and/or IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator (any level) at the time of application are preferred.
Knowledge of:
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
Use of a digital camera and crime scene photography
Ability to:
Establish and maintain accurate records
Develop, plan, design and conduct training
Verify and technically review friction ridge examinations or crime scene reports
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.
