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.

• 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.

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.

• 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   

• Oral Board Exam – July 20th and July 21st 

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.