Forensic Technician (Civil Service)
The Forensic Technician in the Confidential Client Sheriff's Office is responsible for processing crime scenes, including latent print processing, photography, and evidence collection and preservation. This entry-level role supports criminal identification efforts by documenting and analyzing physical evidence, providing expert testimony, and collaborating with forensic staff. The position requires on-site work and involves responding to scenes, maintaining detailed reports, and upholding departmental standards of integrity and accountability.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Forensic Technician to join its forensic/unit supporting criminal identification, latent print processing, photography, and crime scene investigation. This is an in-person role based in Spokane, WA. The position is full-time and permanent.
Key Responsibilities
- Process and document crime scenes—take photographs and video, search for latent fingerprints, collect and preserve physical evidence.
- Process evidence for latent fingerprints using powders, chemicals, alternate light sources, and forensic photography.
- Operate forensic instruments (e.g., Rapid DNA) for presumptive profile generation or matching when required.
- Maintain accurate chain-of-custody and prepare detailed investigative reports.
- Provide expert testimony in court when called.
- Perform employee portrait and public relations photography.
- Respond to callouts on evenings and weekends as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient; able to speak, read, and write English.
- Minimum age: 21 years at time of application.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- In addition, satisfy at least one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in forensic science, natural science, criminal justice, or a related field from an accredited institution; or
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any field and current full-time employment with a law enforcement agency performing duties within the criminal justice field with knowledge of basic crime scenes or latent prints.
- Valid driver’s license at time of application and maintained throughout employment.
- Successful completion of a full background investigation prior to hire.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of friction ridge skin patterns and fingerprint identification.
- Experience or training in latent print processing and crime scene photography.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and work effectively in teams.
- Proficiency with imaging/photographic software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop or similar).
- Willingness to obtain Crime Scene Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).
Testing & Selection Process
- Written exam (by invitation) — Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026. Time: 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM. Location: Spokane, WA 99224.
- Applicants who meet minimum requirements and submit a complete application will receive instructions to self-schedule a session.
- All Civil Service written exams must be taken in-person at the applicant’s expense; remote or third-party testing is not permitted.
Required Documents (must be uploaded or submitted as directed)
The following items are required with your application. Failure to provide required documents by the posted deadline will result in an incomplete application that will not be advanced.
- Copy of a valid driver’s license (front side).
- If applicable: copy of DD-214 Member-4, NGB-22, or equivalent for veteran preference.
- If applicable: copy of Permanent Resident Card (front side only).
- If applicable: copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) / Form I-797 / Form I-821D (DACA consideration).
- Official transcripts from the registrar or third-party transcript provider for the school that issued your highest degree (registrar must submit directly to the Civil Service office). Do not upload official transcripts yourself unless the school/third-party affiliate transmits them directly as instructed in the application materials.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision.
- Hearing correctable to normal ranges.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to respond to potentially graphic scenes and remain available for evening/weekend callouts.
- This is not a remote position — all work is performed on-site in Spokane, WA.
Behavioral Standards
Confidential Client expects employees to contribute to a safe, productive, and positive work environment by demonstrating core values such as respect, accountability, integrity, and innovation in daily work and interactions.
Compensation & Total Rewards
- Base salary: $59,571.20 – $82,971.20 annually (equivalent to $28.64 – $39.89 hourly).
- Estimated total compensation (including employer retirement/benefit contributions): $76,251 – $106,203 annually (estimate; actual total varies by individual benefit selections).
- Scheduled weekly hours: 40. Overtime eligible.
How the Process Works (what to expect)
- Complete the full application — all sections are required; resumes alone are not accepted.
- Upload the required documents where instructed and ensure official transcripts are sent by the issuing registrar or their third-party partner.
- Applicants who pass minimum screening will be invited to self-schedule the written exam.
- Candidates will undergo background investigation prior to hiring.
- Official posting: Applications accepted until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026; posting closes 12:00 AM Thursday, October 22, 2026. (Testing scheduled for November 12, 2026 as noted above.)
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range