Forensic Analyst

General Description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Forensic Analyst is responsible for cell phone, tablet, and computer forensic exams and analysis, supporting law enforcement departments in Lake County and any peripheral agencies as required. The position also works with law enforcement in the analysis of each investigation utilizing all cyber-related tools that will best aid their cases. The Forensic Analyst maintains and updates the forensic programs and tools within the Cyber Lab, and monitors and maintains the Cyber network, servers, and backups. This position is also responsible for working with law enforcement to develop search warrants, overhears, ping orders, and cyber-related court orders necessary for cyber analysis and investigations. Serves as a confidential employee and carries out the policies of the State's Attorney.

Essential Functions

• Perform certified forensic analysis of cell phones, creating reports and communicating with law enforcement and attorneys regarding the results.
• Perform certified forensic analysis of computers, tablets, external drives, and analyze results to determine essential artifacts relevant to each case. Prepare reports and communicate with law enforcement and attorneys regarding the results.
• Testify in court as an expert witness on cyber-related analysis and examinations.
• Analyze investigations with law enforcement to determine which cyber-related tools are most appropriate to obtain the most effective results.
• Track and analyze cyber lab exam statistics and prepare and submit monthly analysis to the Illinois Attorney General's office.
• Track and update license renewals on forensic tools and programs. Initiate license renewals and maintenance for forensic tools and programs.
• Maintain certifications as necessary for utilizing cyber programs and tools for analysis.
• Use forensic tools to access court/evidence discs for attorneys that are not accessible by generic software.
• Support investigators, attorneys, and Lake County law enforcement in tracking subjects with Ping (2703D) results using GPS and coordinating with various cell carriers.
• Prepare search warrants, Ping Orders, Overhears, and other related court documents associated with cyber-related crimes for all Lake County law enforcement departments.
• Support law enforcement in determining and articulating probable cause for investigations.
• Update court-related documents and orders with required language, coordinating language required by both Illinois statutes and requirements of various carriers.
• Give presentations to law enforcement for education in cyber-related crimes, including updates in technology, evidence custody, and trends.
• Give presentations to the Lake County community (schools, parents, community groups, etc.) regarding various cyber-related topics such as internet safety, sexting, and cyberbullying.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Working knowledge of computer and phone forensics and analysis.
• Strong background in IT, networking, computer management and maintenance.
• Ability to multitask, performing forensic exams while still producing search warrants and court orders, including exigent situations.
• Ability to learn specialized analysis software and integrated justice software.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive ongoing criminal investigations, and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.
• Ability to work independently on projects and under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with judicial personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to successfully lead and motivate diverse teams of individuals to achieve results.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies and where policy may not clearly exist.
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from law enforcement rank and file.
• Ability to understand and implement chain of custody relating to evidence.
• Ability to work independently, to handle conflict, and maintain professionalism.
• Ability to manage project demands within limited time constraints and assess case priorities as they develop.
• Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work well with people from different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including police officers, parents, and students.
• Working knowledge of MS Office software and extensive knowledge of Excel • Ability to write reports and routine business correspondence.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and technical procedures.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Competency To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical – Collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Judgment – Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in the decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing – Uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism –Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity – Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.
• Adaptability – Manages competing demands; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments.
• Initiative – Seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent action.

Education and/or Other Requirements

• Completion of a Baccalaureate degree program from a college or university of recognized standing with coursework in criminal justice, paralegal studies, information technology, public or business administration, or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in a professional position or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Trained and certified in EnCase Computer Forensic Programs (through Advanced level).
• Trained and certified in Cellebrite UFED Examiner and Mobile Device Examiner Programs.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License, supplemented by a satisfactory driving record.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and criminal history check.

Supplemental Information

Physical Factors The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Employees in this position occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Psychological Factors The psychological demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to function under pressure.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of Lake County Government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time. Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.