Digital Forensic Examiner

Salary: $34.78 - $51.63 Hourly
Location : Goodyear, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY2600771
Division: Police Department
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Job Description Summary
Under general supervision is responsible for performing forensic examination and evaluation of mobile devices, computers, computer hardware, software, electronically stored data and other computer related evidentiary materials to assist with investigations of criminal activity. Works routine to complex, and complicated cases. Provides ongoing analysis of technology trends to incorporate proven forensic investigation and supporting technologies into practice. Provides expert testimony in courts of law.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and knowledgeable Digital Forensic Examiner with hands-on experience with digital forensic examinations, including the identification, collection and preservation of electronic devices, the ability to forensically acquire and analyze data from the device, as well as with conducting on-scene previewing and triaging of electronic devices and with the collection of data from digital video recording systems. They would have the knowledge and ability to prepare and report the evidence for investigation and for prosecution purposes. They would be familiar with best practices on how to perform the above procedures.

The ideal candidate would also be able for callouts to occasionally work outside of normal business hours in order to report to crime scenes involving digital evidence, complete priority examinations and/or to assist with time sensitive evidence collection/processing.

At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to build and maintain a highly engaged workforce. You will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those that possess these six core values:
Adaptability - Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism - Innovation
Only a limited number of the most qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will consist of a panel interview. All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as it will come from a system generated source.

Essential Functions
• Performs advanced digital forensic and cybersecurity examinations, electronic discovery, and data recovery involving computers, mobile devices, digital media, networks, cloud environments, and electronic storage devices to identify, recover, preserve, and analyze evidence related to criminal and cyber investigations.
• Uses specialized forensic hardware, software, ethical hacking methods, and investigative techniques to examine devices and systems; access secured or deleted data; and analyze messages, social media activity, location information, email, internet history, databases, applications, operating systems, network activity, and other electronically stored information.
• Responds to crime scenes and cyber incidents to identify, collect, preview, inventory, transport, secure, and preserve digital evidence in accordance with forensic standards, chain-of-custody requirements, and legal admissibility requirements.
• Conducts cloud and network forensic analysis, malware and ransomware investigations, vulnerability and security assessments, and analysis of attack techniques and indicators of compromise to identify, document, and interpret evidence of criminal or unauthorized activity.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and comprehensive forensic reports and presents complex technical findings in a manner understandable to investigators, prosecutors, courts, and other nontechnical audiences.
• Collaborates with investigators, prosecutors, legal counsel, and partner agencies to provide technical and investigative assistance; support search warrants and court proceedings; research applicable laws, case law, regulations, and forensic standards; and provide expert witness testimony regarding forensic methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Provides training and technical instruction related to digital evidence, cybersecurity, and computer and mobile-device investigations; researches emerging cyber threats, tools, and technologies; manages multiple assignments and deadlines; safeguards confidential information; and performs duties that may involve exposure to child sexual abuse material and other disturbing or graphic content.

Requirements

• Formal Education/Knowledge : Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, computer science, information systems or a related field.
• Experience : Minimum three years of experience in computer and mobile forensics
• Certifications and Other Requirements : Valid Arizona Driver's License, or ability to obtain a valid Arizona Driver's License, with an acceptable driving record. One or more certifications or training in digital/mobile device forensics, including IACIS (CFCE, CMDE, BCFE, MDF), NCFI (BCERT, MDE), FLETC (MDIP, DFI/SCERS), Cellebrite, Magnet/GrayKey, FTK, or GetData Forensic Explorer.
• Reading : Work requires knowledge of and ability to read State, City and other applicable statutes, and ability to read reports, correspondence, software manuals, trade journals, and policies at a college level.
• Math : Work requires the ability to perform general and advanced math calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and general accounting.
• Writing : Work requires the ability to write and update policies, procedures, and guidelines; training manuals; presentations; reports; and correspondence at a college level.
• Managerial : Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others, but may provide advice/direction to an employee with less experience/skills or tenure
• Policy/Decision Making : Moderate - The employee normally performs the duty assignment within broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices. End results determine effectiveness of job performance. This position independently decides how objectives are achieved and what resources are needed. Typical positions in this category are upper management to executive level jobs.
• Technical Skill s : Limited - Work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs, solutions for highly complex issues, and/or processes organization-wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills : Moderate - Interactions at this level typically result in recommendations regarding policy development, changes, and implementation. Interactions at this level are typically concerned with providing communications at higher levels of organizational operations and may utilize activities such as evaluating customer satisfaction, developing cooperative associations, and allocating resources to improve work operations, work quality, overall achievement of organizational goals and objectives, and customer satisfaction.

12 Month Objectives
Within the first month:

1. Attend Goodyear Employee Orientation (GEO) and complete all assignments, trainings, and meetings associated with GEO.
2. Become familiar with the City's Core Values and the Department Vision and Mission. Take the opportunity to connect your role to the big picture.
3. Become familiar with the policies and procedures related to your job function.
4. Participate in any meetings related to Digital Forensics and/or Major Crimes.
5. Become familiar with digital forensics equipment and software that you'll be utilizing.

Within the first 3 months:

1. Become familiar with general policies and procedures for the city and Police Department.
2. Become familiar with assisting with managing evidence within and outside of the lab.
3. Learn processes as it relates to the electronic storage lockers and faraday bags.
4. Visit ACTIC computer forensic lab and USSS forensic lab.

Within the first 6 months:

1. Be able to provide advice and assistance in creating a more efficient lab / evidence process.
2. Show that you can be respectful, treating other investigators/technicians/co-workers with respect. Be aware, actively listen to others and seek to understand their perspective. Seek to understand the challenges and opportunities facing digital forensics and how it interacts and supports other divisions.

Within the first 12 months:

1. Be certified in Cellebrite Software (Operator and Analyzer).
2. Be certified in Magnet Software (Graykey Operator and Axiom Analysis).
3. Be able to conduct on-scene previews, collect volatile digital evidence from running devices and collect electronic devices during ICAC and/or other types of search warrant executions.
4. Be able to assist in surveillance system data recovery.
5. Complete required city-wide trainings by the specified deadlines.
6. Attend at least one in-person Digital Forensics training.

The City of Goodyear offers a highly competitive benefits package including:

• Vacation Leave: 14 days per year, increasing with longevity. Goodyear offers an enhanced vacation benefit of recognizing total years of service under all Arizona public retirement systems for accruing vacation.
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, including one floating holiday the first full pay period of January
• Flexible Holiday: 24 hours per calendar year (prorated based on hire date)
• Health Insurance: Three health plans available to select from at a group rate
• Dental Insurance: Two dental plans available to select from at a group rate
• Vision Insurance: Available at a group rate
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Care and Dependent Care accounts available
• Short Term Disability Insurance: City-paid coverage
• Cancer Benefit: City-paid coverage
• Life Insurance: City-paid insurance valued at twice the annual salary ($400,000 maximum); additional life insurance for self and/or dependent is available at employee's cost
• Longevity pay beginning at year six
• Tuition Assistance: $5,250 per calendar year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite wellness center/clinic
• Access to the Goodyear Recreation Center
• Robust employee well-being program
• Free identify theft monitoring and protection with Aura
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: 2% city match (employee contributes 1%)
• Retirement Health Savings: $22.50 city contribution (employee contributes $12.50 per pay period)
• Retirement: Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined Benefit plan with mandatory city and employee contributions currently at 12.00%. Plan includes Long Term Disability Benefit.

01


(Q1: AD) Are you a U.S. Citizen?

• Yes
• No

02


(Q2: AD) Do you have a valid driver's license or have the ability to obtain one at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

03


(Q3) What is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree or above

04


Describe your experience as a Peace Officer.

• No Experience
• 1-4 years
• 5+ years

05


Have you completed a degree or earned at least 64 credit hours in any of the following subjects/programs?

• N/A
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Computer Forensics
• Criminal Justice

06


Please list any relevant training or certifications you have completed or currently hold.

• N/A
• IACIS CFCE and/or IACIS CMDE (Certifications)
• IACIS BCFE and/or MDF
• NCFI BCERT and/or NCFI MDE
• FLETC MDIP and/or DFI (SCERS)
• CELLEBRITE TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS
• MAGNET/GRAYKEY TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS
• FTK TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS
• GET DATA FORENSIC EXPLORER TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS

07


(Q4) How many years of experience do you possess relating to the roles and responsibilities of this position or experience in computer and mobile forensics?

• Less than 3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7 or more years

08


(Q5: AD) Have you been convicted of any crimes since the age of 18? This includes misdemeanors and/or felonies.

• Yes
• No

09


(Q5.5: AD) If you answered yes to the previous question please describe and include the reason, date and arresting agency (Please clarify if this was a misdemeanor or felony).
10


(Q7: AD) Have you used marijuana, for any purpose, within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

11


(Q8: AD) If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the date of last use:
12


(Q9: AD) Have you ever illegally grown, sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, for sale marijuana or a dangerous drug or narcotic?

• Yes
• No

13


(Q10: AD) Have you illegally used dangerous drugs or narcotics, other than marijuana, in the last 7 years?

• Yes
• No

14


(Q11: AD) Have you illegally used any dangerous drug or narcotic, other than marijuana, for any purpose more than 5 times or one time since turning 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

15


(Q12: AD) Have you ever had a pattern of abusing prescription medication?

• Yes
• No

16


(Q13: AD) Have you been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Services?

• Yes
• No

17


(Q13.5: AD) Have you EVER been arrested since the age of 18?

• Yes
• No

18


(Q13.75) If you answered yes to the previous question please provide the reason, date and arresting agency.
19


(Q14: AD) Within the past three years, have you ever been arrested and convicted for any criminally related traffic charges (i.e. DUI, reckless driving, criminal speed 20+ over posted speed limit)?

• Yes, I've been arrested BUT NOT convicted
• Yes, I've been arrested AND convicted
• No, I've never been arrested NOR convicted

20


(Q14.25: AD) If you answered yes to the question above, please describe and include the charge/reason, date and arresting agency:
21


(Q14.5: AD) List any/all civil traffic tickets that you've received within the past three years?
22


(Q15: AD) Have you ever been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence offense, or any other criminal charge?

• Yes
• No

23


(Q16: AD) If you answered yes to the question above, please describe and include the charge/reason, date and arresting agency:
24


(Q19) On occasion, you will be required to work outside of normal set hours due to scheduled search warrants, callouts to crime scenes involving digital evidence, priority time-sensitive assignments, case load etc. Are you able to commit to this?

• Yes
• No

25


(Q20) Do you understand that you will be required to pass a comprehensive background investigation to include: Polygraph, Psychological Examination (if applicable), and Drug Screening?

• Yes
• No

26


(Q21) Have you falsified any information on this application?

• Yes
• No

27


(Q22) Do you attest to the following statement? "I have read the automatic disqualifiers (AD) above and understand that I may be automatically disqualified from consideration if I participated in any of the items listed."

• Yes
• No

Required Question