Forensic Computer Examiner

Job Description:

Forensic Computer Examiner

Description

About the Opportunity

THE POSITION

The Forensic Computer Examiner investigates and analyzes digital evidence by performing hardware, software and virtual analysis of digital evidence in the office and in the field on sensitive, complex, criminal and civil investigations for the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. This position processes and analyzes digital evidence including the disassembly of computer hardware; forensic imaging of digital media; examination of data related to criminal offenses; recovery of data from cellular telephones; and performs related duties as required. The Forensic Computer Examiner will prepare comprehensive examination reports for the analysis of digital media and will testify in court as a forensic expert. Incumbents in this classification must be able to work effectively in an environment in which they may encounter sensitive/confidential information and data that contains sexually explicit or disturbing content; including child pornography.

To learn more about the Sheriff's Department, click here .

Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.

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Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under "Disability Management".

Typical Tasks

• Investigate complex crimes involving digital media under the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office;
• Incorporate computer forensic methods for searching seized computers in accordance with the rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure;
• Perform specialized investigative assignments in the collection, preservation, analysis of evidence and does other related work as required;
• 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 disc (DVDs) , floppy discs 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;
• Prepare written reports on the analysis completed and verbally communicate significant findings to the assigned Sheriff's Office personnel responsible for the specific investigation;
• Testify in State and Federal courts on evidence related issues as an expert witness;
• Foster professionalism, collegiality, teamwork and information sharing with fellow examiners;
• Facilitate and provide cross-training opportunities among staff;
• Communicate and work effectively with County and department staff, contract partners, State and Federal agencies, local, public and private agencies, and Command staff;
• Supervise staff, assign and review the work of others, complete evaluations, provide staff development and training;
• Complete and analyze data from various sources;
• Research and analysis of various issues;
• Perform special assignments as needed to achieve program objectives;
• Analyze and interpret State legislation as it applies to County programs;
• Maintain accurate records; and
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Examine and analyze computer hardware, software and electronically stored data pertaining to law enforcement investigations;
• Collect, transport, process and secure evidentiary materials;
• Effectively prepare and present detailed reports of findings;
• Find and extract electronically stored information to be used as evidence;
• Work with various operating systems including but not limited to Windows, MacOS, Linux and Unix file systems;
• Work with different levels of Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) 0,1,5,10, etc;
• Work across most hardware platforms including desktops, laptops, servers and enterprise-level storage devices;
• Manage several projects at once and maintain precise notes and required documentation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Maintain proficiency with industry standard tools and practices;
• Problem solve; and
• Respond to changing priorities.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and practices of digital media processing necessary to conduct computer forensic examinations;
• Forensic techniques and the most commonly used forensic toolsets, such as Encase, and FTK computer forensic suites;
• Windows, Macintosh, and Linux Operating Systems;
• Computer system hardware and software installation and troubleshooting;
• Rules of evidence and court room procedures;
• Operate various computer forensics software/equipment;
• The principles and practices of electronic data storage, data encryption and computer security systems;
• American Society of Crime Laboratory Director/Laboratory Accreditation Board standards applying to digital forensics; and
• The principles and practices of evidence collection, preservation and handling.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

PATTERN I

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university (progressively responsible experience in related area may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis); AND
• The equivalent of two (2) years of verifiable full time experience conducting forensic computer examinations or cellular phone data extractions for a public or private agency (progressively responsible experience in a related area may be substituted on a year-for-year basis).

PATTERN II

• Four (4) years of verifiable full-time experience conducting forensic computer examination or cellular phone data extractions for a public or private agency (progressively responsible experience in a related area may be substituted on a year-for-year basis).

In addition to Pattern I or II:

Must attain and maintain on-going Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification within two years of appointment.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call (209) 567-4412 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

LICENSE

Must attain and maintain on-going Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification within two years of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) and EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) certifications; OR
• Master's Degree in computer science, information technology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline : January 6, 2026, at 5pm
Oral Examination: TBD

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County .

GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$83,865.60 - $101,940.80 Annually