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Forensic Computer Examiner

Merced County | CA

Posted Date 3/05/2025
Description
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Examine, disassemble, reassemble, evaluate, extract data, and interpret extracted data from computer hardware, smart phones, data storage devices, media storage devices, compact discs, digital video discs (DVDs), and detached or attached hard drives.

  • Collect evidence, transfer data from evidentiary items to other forms of media for presentation in court and for long term storage as evidence.

  • Investigate complex crimes involving digital media under the jurisdiction of Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Perform specialized investigative assignments in the collection, preservation, analysis of evidence.

  • Incorporate computer forensic methods for searching seized computers in accordance with the rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure.

  • Prepare written reports on the analysis completed and verbally communicate significant findings to appropriate Sheriff’s Office personnel.
  • Testify in court and serve as an expert witness on evidence related issues.

  • Provide training to department personnel who may encounter electronic evidence in the course of their duties.

  • Create and maintain image archives.

  • Provide image output, including but not limited to, photographic prints, video images, and computer files.

  • Provide support to Sheriff’s Office units utilizing digital imaging techniques including video capture and enhancement and latent fingerprint photographic and enhancement services.

  • Use and maintain specialized equipment and digital imaging technologies.

  • Maintain forensic server and network. Perform system backups; troubleshoot server connectivity issues and apply fixes in coordination with County Information Services personnel as required.
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience conducting forensic computer examination or cellular phone data extraction for a public or private agency, or four years of progressively responsible work in a similar field with extensive experience detecting, recovering, and analyzing data recovered from electronics.

Education:
Equivalent of two-year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or closely related field.

OR

Experience:
One year of experience conducting forensic computer examination or cellular phone data extractions for a public or private agency, or two years of progressively responsible work in a similar field with extensive experience detecting, recovering, and analyzing data recovered from electronics.

Education:
Equivalent of four-year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or closely related field.

Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license; must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Possession of Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification is required within one year of appointment in the position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Examine and analyze computer hardware, software, and electronically stored data pertaining to law enforcement investigations.

  • Collect, transport, process, and secure evidentiary materials.

  • Work with various operating systems including but not limited to Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Unix file systems.

  • Work across most hardware platforms including desktops, laptops, servers, and enterprise-level storage devices.

  • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

  • Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations, coordinate multiple tasks, and prioritize timelines.

  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.

  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision, and color perception.

  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.

  • Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

  • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination and repetitive hand and arm motion.

  • Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.

  • Sit, and stand or walk for extended periods of time.

  • Frequent public contact, concentration in noisy conditions, exposure to emergency situations.

  • Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, cold and heat.

  • Exposure to graphic images associated with criminal activity, of a sexual or pornographic nature, including images of children.

  • Accept stand-by, call back, and overtime assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

  • Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of digital media processing necessary to conduct computer forensic examinations.

  • Principles and practices of electronic data storage, data encryption, and computer security systems.

  • Relevant law enforcement and criminal prosecution codes and laws.

  • Rules of evidence and court room procedures.

  • Multiple operating systems including Windows, OSX, Android, IOS, Macintosh.

  • Various computer forensics software and equipment.

  • American Society of Crime Laboratory Director/ Laboratory Accreditation Board standards applying to digital forensics.

Ability to:
  • Independently perform complex, exacting, and detailed computer analysis requiring the exercise of a high degree of analytical ability and reasoning.

  • Set and meet work priorities and critical deadlines.

  • Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.

  • Prepare detailed and technical written reports.

  • Devise and adapt work procedures, forms, spreadsheets and record-keeping to meet department needs.

  • Collect, preserve, label, catalog, and store evidentiary items for presentation in criminal proceedings in accordance with legal standards.

  • Maintain current knowledge of tools and trends in the field of Digital Forensics.

  • Understand, interpret, and apply detailed instructions, rules, and regulations.

  • Learn a variety of computer applications.

  • Review, evaluate and analyze current crime/intelligence data, current events, periodicals, and publications related to criminals and their activity.

  • Comprehend, interpret, and respond to crime/intelligence information and conduct analytical investigation.
Salary77,833.60 - 94,640.00 Annual
Field
Police

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