Digital Forensics Investigator

City of Vancouver; United States; On-site; USD 6,800 - 10,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver seeks a Digital Forensics Investigator to support law enforcement investigations by identifying, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence across crimes including violent and internet-based offenses against children.

Under the DECU Sergeant's direction, this role conducts technical analyses, prepares reports, and may testify in court while deploying to crime scenes and search warrant service as needed.

Qualifications

• Three years of digital evidence analysis experience.
• Associate's degree in digital forensics or related field.
• Equivalents considered with education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct seizures and examinations of electronic devices for data recovery as evidence.
• Assist in execution of search warrants for evidence.
• Perform on-site previews of digital evidence.
• Prepare detailed reports and present findings to prosecutors.
• Provide testimony in court and assist trials.
• Maintain evidentiary chain of custody and data integrity.

Education

Associate's Degree in digital forensics

Tools

Cellebrite

X-Ways

Axiom

Griffeye

Recon

AccessData FTK

Job description

Salary Range 6,761.51 - 10,142.78

The City of Vancouver is seeking a skilled Digital Forensics Investigator to provide critical technical expertise in support of law enforcement investigations. This position plays an important role in identifying, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence in cases involving violent crimes and internet crimes against children. Join a team dedicated to advancing public safety, supporting victims, and delivering thorough evidence-based investigative services to our community. Under the direction of the DECU Sergeant, conduct technical analyses and procedures in the collection, processing, preservation, and presentation of digital evidence to assist law enforcement a variety of criminal investigations; act as technical expert within the department regarding Police Computer Forensics; prepare detailed reports of investigations and analysis; assist prosecuting attorneys with trial preparation to coordinate digital evidence presentation; make court appearances and give testimony relating to cases; and, deploy into the field to locate digital evidence at crimes scenes and search warrant services.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU union. The schedule for this position is M-Thur, 7:30am to 5:30pm.

Non-Union Pay Strategy At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

First review of applications on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Essential Functions

• Conduct seizures and examinations of electronic devices including cell phones/smart phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers and corresponding electronic data storage media to secure, and recover data as evidence;
• Assist in the execution of search warrants for evidence in criminal investigations.
• Conduct on-site forensic analysis previews of digital evidence.
• Act as subject matter expert; make determinations and recommendations regarding appropriate items to be seized based on search warrant particulars and relevant case law.
• Conduct and participate in internet-based investigations, including online operations regarding child exploitation, child pornography, underage prostitution, cyberstalking and persons crimes such as homicides and assaults and may assist in other department investigations including property crimes including fraud, forgery, ID theft.
• Compose reports on findings from digital evidence extraction and analysis.
• Prepare for defense interviews and trials.
• Put together all relevant case information in easy-to-understand format.
• Present the case to prosecutors and defense teams for mandatory, pre-trial defense interviews.
• Present case in trial and respond to questions regarding findings.
• Collect, preserve, label, catalog, and store evidentiary items for presentation in criminal proceedings in accordance with legal standards.
• Provide continuity within the organization by assisting new DECU detectives, learn new technology-based investigative skills and tools pertinent to their position.
• This may include but not be limited to, peer-to-peer related investigations, call detail records or open-source intelligence techniques.
• Provide presentations for community organizations as well as Internet Crimes Against Children conferences.
• Provide in-service training for Vancouver Police Department personnel.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in digital evidence analysis, preferably in a law enforcement environment. Education: Associate's Degree in digital forensics or related field. *Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills Basic skills utilizing two or more of the following platforms used for digital forensics analysis: Cellebrite, X-Ways, Axiom, Griffeye, Recon and AccessData FTK. Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications Possession of: At least one industry accepted certification directly related to digital forensics, such as IACIS, Cellebrite, SCERS, or other industry accepted certification(s) directly related to digital forensics. Valid Driver’s License Ability to obtain: Ability to obtain a limited law enforcement commission. Knowledge Principles, methods and practices of investigation, evidence identification and collection. Multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, OSX, Android, IOS and others as well as electronic devices, hardware and other peripherals; Rules of evidence and applicable laws is critical. Principles and procedures of record keeping. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: collection, processing, and preservation of computer related evidence. Use of personal computers and basic software.

Abilities Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Work independently with minimal supervision. Maintain confidentiality related to the area of work. Operate and use modern office equipment including a personal computer and appropriate computer programs. Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles. Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees. Provide a high level of customer service at all times. Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work. Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others. Maintain regular and dependable attendance. Drive City Vehicles Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive. Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player. Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures. Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or the public. Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

Selection Process

• Application Review : Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their application and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.
• Practical Exam (Pass/Fail): This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• Oral Interview (Pass/Fail based on 70%): Questions will be job related and may include but not limited to the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to five member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre-established written questions of all candidates. The panelists' evaluations will be combined resulting in candidate interview scores. Those passing with a 70% or higher will be placed on an eligibility list.
• Final Interview: As positions become available up to the top three candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a final selection interview.
• This position is subject to successful completion of a comprehensive Vancouver PD background investigation to include a polygraph examination.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [e-mail]

Tobacco Free/Drug Free Workplace Equal Opportunity Employer