Forensic Computer Examiner at Crime Scene Resources, Inc Merced, CA

Crime Scene Resources, Inc; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Crime Scene Resources, Inc. is seeking a Digital Forensics Investigator to examine data from computer hardware and mobile devices, collect and preserve evidentiary material, and prepare detailed reports for court presentations.

The role requires handling sensitive information and communicating findings to Sheriff’s Office personnel. The position involves testifying as an expert witness, providing training, and maintaining image archives and specialized imaging equipment.

Qualifications

• Option 1 requires a two-year degree and two years of forensic data experience, or four years in a related field.
• Option 2 requires a four-year degree with related coursework and one year of forensic experience.

Responsibilities

• Examine and analyze data from computer hardware and electronic devices.
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Skills

Analytical reasoning

Confidentiality

Report writing

Evidence handling

Communication

Education

Two-year degree in computer science / justice

Four-year degree in computer science / law enforcement

Tools

Forensic software

Job description

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

• 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 and 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 the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
• Perform specialized investigative assignments in the collection, preservation, and 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 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.

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 courtroom 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.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Option 1: 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 from electronics; Education – Equivalent of a two‑year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or a closely related field.
  • Option 2: 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 from electronics; Education – Equivalent of a four‑year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or a 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.