Digital Forensic Examiner

Job Title

Under administrative direction, the purpose of this position is to perform highly technical computer and digital forensic and support work on computers and other electronic storage devices within the Digital Forensic Unit of the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

Minimum Requirements

Associate's degree in computer science, public administration, or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of the digital media and devices including but not limited to computers, mobile devices, external storage media, third party data sources, and lot devices preferably in a criminal justice or similar law enforcement environment. Knowledge of chain of custody and the uniqueness of digital evidence. Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects. Ability to obtain and process forensic evidence into a format that can be used for legal purposes. Strong analytical skills and ability to provide courtroom testimony. Must possess and maintain throughout employment, a valid Florida driver's license without any restrictions affecting job performance. Driver's license must show current address. All candidates must submit a Certified Department of Motor Vehicles "entire" driving history. Florida driving histories can be obtained at any courthouse in Broward County. Three (3) year, seven (7) year, and online Florida driving history records will not be accepted. If you have possessed a driver's license in any other state in the past 10 years you will need to submit an "entire" driving history from that state. For non-Florida driving histories, please contact that state's division of motor vehicles. The search date for all driving histories must be within one month of the date the application for employment is received by the Bureau of Human Resources. Driving history records must be attached to the online application. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. Such experience must be clearly documented in the application for consideration. Have at least three (3) of generally accepted digital forensic certifications: Digital Forensics Software – (i.e. MCFE, CCPA, GKO, EnCE, ACE, X-Ways) Digital Forensics, Vendor Neutral – (i.e. CCE, CCFT, GCFE, GCFA) International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist (IACIS) - (i.e. CFCE, ICMDE, CAWFE)

Nature of Work

Under administrative direction, the purpose of this position is to perform highly technical computer and digital forensic and support work on computers and other electronic storage devices within the Digital Forensic Unit of the Broward County Sheriff's Office. This position performs forensic examinations on computers, cellular phones, computer networks, and related electronic storage media. Work includes collection, processing, preservation, analysis, and presentation of computer related evidence, including data retrieval, breaking passwords, and finding hidden or otherwise "invisible" information. Position is responsible for formal reporting of and testifying as to the findings of such analysis. Position will be available on a call-out basis to provide assistance after hours. Position must be willing to work in an environment which will expose them to pictures, videos and imagery that is obscene and offensive. Position must understand that digital evidence obtained from crime scenes or in sex/child exploitation cases have a greater likelihood of being contaminated with human biological fluids, thus there exists a potential for exposure. Position performs related work as directed.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Conducts forensic examinations on computers, cell phones, computer networks, and related electronic storage media. Utilizes necessary equipment to safely conduct analysis of submitted evidence utilizing experience and knowledge of a wide variety of digital technologies. Uses forensic tools and investigative methods to find specific electronic data, including internet use history, e-mails, photos, word processing documents, images and other files; utilizes technical skills to locate files and information that has been hidden, deleted, manipulated or lost. Forensically acquires, analyzes, and interprets evidence located on computers, storage media, or networks for use in criminal prosecutions or civil actions. Provides progress reports regarding investigations as well as detailed and technical report summaries of findings in written and verbal formats. Maintains strict adherence to chain of custody for all evidence and ensures integrity of each item of evidence handled and analyzed. Prepares formal written reports suitable for presentation in court, which states the methods of analysis and results. Participates in identifying and recommending methods and procedures for preservation, evidence recovery, and presentation of digital evidence. Determines the most appropriate method of protecting original evidence and recovering deleted, erased, hidden and encrypted digital evidence. Conducts and/or assists in the preparation of search warrants, subpoenas etc. to properly include the seizure of all relevant electronic media as evidence. Evaluates scientific results of analysis to determine the validity and to determine whether the information has forensic significance. Demonstrates a unique ability to communicate, coordinate and cooperate with other agencies (federal, state and local) in a task force environment. Provides technical guidance/assistance in evaluating and investigating cases where digital or related digital media is potential evidence. Provide training to law enforcement personnel through lectures and policy development on the proper procedures with regards to digital evidence. Assists detectives and prosecutors in analyzing data and evaluating its relevance to the case under investigation; assists in transferring the evidence into a format that can be used for legal purposes. Provides expert testimony in the field of digital forensics; prepares evidence and presents expert testimony in court on results of seizure and handling of evidence, and results of analysis conducted. Interacts with other investigators, analysts, or outside digital forensic professionals to acquire information necessary to perform forensic examinations. Continually updates and develops skills regarding new digital forensic technology and the use of new software and hardware tools to extract information from digital systems. Attends training, workshops and seminars to maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of digital forensics. Reviews various court decisions relating to the field of digital forensics. Maintains records, documentation, and/or reports concerning activities performed. Operates an agency vehicle. Performs related duties as expected. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects. Work requires the intermittent installation, moving, and modification to voice system equipment and peripheral components. Due to the varying nature and locations of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with electronics installations and wiring systems. Some tasks include materials handling where physical risks are predictable and/or controllable by observance of standard safety precautions. Tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a laboratory/forensics analysis environment, e.g., toxic agents, pathogens, chemicals, organic/inorganic agents. Spends at least 65% of time performing duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical or radiological hazard or contamination, or use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of evidence. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Recruitment Information

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

Benefits

The Broward Sheriff's Office values the contributions of its sworn/certified and civilian employees. The agency's outstanding Benefits Package is one of the ways BSO retains its employees and attracts new personnel to the BSO team. Here's a sampling of typical employee benefits: Medical Insurance: Various plans including Open Access options with pre-tax premium conversion available. New employees are eligible on the first of the month following the date of hire. Prescription plans are also offered Domestic Partner coverage: Medical, dental and vision coverage is offered Life Insurance: One times salary for basic life and AD&D at no cost to the employee. Additional voluntary term life and dependent life are also available Dental Insurance: Three plans (DMO, PPO and Indemnity) are available on a pre-tax basis Line of Duty benefits Vision Care Insurance: 100% of the premium for single and family coverage paid for by the Broward Sheriff's Office (in combination with medical insurance election). Voluntary Long and Short-Term Disability Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance Retirement plan under the Florida Retirement System Deferred Compensation