Processing Technician
- Summary
WHO MAY APPLY: this position is open to the public.
NOTE: This is a Civil Service position, and this recruitment will establish an employment Eligibility List (valid for one year) to fill current and future Processing Technician vacancies throughout the Sheriff's Office. You can access King County Civil Service Rules at Civil Service Rules.
For application instructions and requirements, specific to Sheriff Office positions,
please visit; Civil Service Application Requirements (<- click there).
The Processing Technician position is a great opportunity to join the King County Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Program and start a career in criminal justice. The responsibilities of this classification include using basic processing techniques to develop latent prints at crime scenes and on evidence from crime scenes, collecting latent prints, swabbing objects for DNA evidence, ensuring proper safety protocols are utilized, ensuring proper chain of custody with regard to evidence collection, and communicating with law enforcement agencies on matters relating to latent prints. There is potential exposure to bodily fluids and tissue as well as paint, drugs and drug paraphernalia, and weapons.
Processing Technicians work in the Latent Processing Unit of the King County Regional AFIS Program, under the Technical Services Division of the King County Sheriff’s Office. The main location is the Blackriver Building located in Renton. Work is performed at crime scenes and at tow lots throughout King County. Driving to each location is an essential job duty of this position.- Job Duties
- Drive to multiple locations within King County daily and use basic processing techniques to process evidence (found primarily in vehicles) for latent prints.
- Determine which latent prints are suitable for collection, retention and comparison.
- Swab pieces of evidence for DNA.
- Package evidence and comply with proper chain of custody procedures.
- Prepare legible written notes that are comprehensive.
- Maintain logs of duties performed.
- Testify in court regarding the work performed, the fingerprint examination process, and the underlying principles and basis behind decisions.
- May provide educational presentations for law enforcement, citizens’ academies, local schools, and tours of the AFIS facilities.
- Research and make recommendations for procedural changes.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position, including but not limited to:
- Knowledge of techniques and best practices for processing, examining and identification of fingerprints.
- Must be willing to work in undesirable environments, working with black powder, chemicals, biohazards, bodily fluids/tissue, deceased individuals, etc.
- The ability to recognize the characteristics within a fingerprint impression and the quality of a fingerprint impression.
- Must be able to locate and drive to multiple areas within King County.
- Demonstrated skill in communicating orally and in writing in English; ability to read and understand directions and record information accurately.
- Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate with law enforcement and citizens of crimes.
- Demonstrated the ability to clearly communicate forensic concepts to layman.
- Demonstrated good customer service skills.
- Demonstrated capacity to perform duties that require physical agility.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and problem solve unique situations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and situational awareness abilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to multitask effectively while maintaining accuracy.
- Must be able to follow safety and security procedures.
- Skill in completing work assignments with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
- Knowledge of laws, policies and procedures regarding the use and dissemination of confidential and criminal information.
- Experience in basic MS Word, MS Excel, email software programs.
- Must be able to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays and demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
- Previous fingerprint processing experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:- Must be able to stand, walk, bend and lift light items for extended periods of time;
- Washington State Driver License and the ability to travel throughout King County, including those not serviced by public transportation, in a timely manner.
- Government Jobs online application
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
UNION MEMBERSHIP: Positions in this classification are represented by the King County Regional AFIS Guild.
GENERAL TIMEFRAME: Application packets will be checked for the clarity and completeness of the required materials and for the content of the cover letter. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will advance to the next steps in the process; the timeframe and order of this recruitment is provided below. Please note that dates are subject to change based on resource availability.- Oral Board Exam – July 20th and July 21st
Michelle Kobuki , HR Analyst, Civil Service Administration
michelle.kobuki@KingCounty.gov
206-477-4740
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01You must be a current US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to apply for civil service positions with the King County Sheriff's Office. Are you now a United States citizen?
- Yes
- No
02Can you read, write and speak the English language?- Yes
- No
03The King County Sheriff's Office maintains a list of automatic disqualifiers for employment. This list can be accessed by clicking on this link Automatic Disqualifiers. Please review the disqualifiers and respond to the following question before proceeding. Do you certify that based on your review of the automatic disqualifiers that you are qualified for employment with the King County Sheriff's Office? Note - This information will be verified prior to scheduling an oral board interview.- Yes
- No
04The background of all King County Sheriff's Office employees and applicants are thoroughly checked. The required background investigation will review and evaluate driving records, criminal records, criminal behavior, employment histories, military records, personal and employment references, and related information. Candidates who pass the initial background investigation will be required to complete a polygraph, medical and psychological exam. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation and polygraph and psychological examination as part of the employment process?- Yes
- No
05Do you meet any of the automatic disqualifiers pertaining to CRIMINAL ACTIVITY: •Any adult felony convictions •Any adult misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving theft, violence, or crimes of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, perjury, forgery, impersonation, bribery, witness intimidation/tampering, or tampering with evidence) •All other misdemeanor convictions as an adult within the last three (3) years •Any conviction for a sex-related crime, including crimes involving a minor or individual with a disability, including pornography •Any instance of required registration as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status •Any conviction for animal cruelty as defined by RCW 16.52.205 •Any conviction for a violation of a court No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Order •Any candidate currently named as a Respondent in any No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment DV Order- Yes
- No
06The application for this position requires a letter of interest (cover letter) that specifically addresses this position. Did you attach a letter of interest for the Processing Tech with KCSO?- Yes
- No
07This position requires working in crime scene / unclean environments (e.g., black powder, biohazards, bodily fluids/tissue, deceased individuals, etc.). Are you able and willing to work in this environment?- Yes
- No
08This position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend and experience light lifting for extended periods of time. Are you able to meet these requirements?- Yes
- No
09Do you have knowledge or previous experience in preserving and/or collecting latent fingerprints and/or DNA samples?- Yes
- No
10If you answered YES to the above question, please summarize your experience in 300 words or less. If not applicable, answer N/A.Required Question