Digital Forensics Technician I (Hourly)

City of Chula Vista•Chula Vista, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an entry-level, part-time, non-benefited position limited to 919 hours of employment in a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) with an average of 18 service hours per work week. Hours may vary dependent upon the daily staffing needs of the department. Unclassified hourly employees are paid on an hourly or per diem basis and shall not be eligible for benefits nor be subject to Civil Service Rules. Although hourly employees are at-will, they are still subject to all other City policies and procedures. The role performs technical work in the examination, identification, and preservation of digital evidence including computers, cellular phones, digital media, electronic data storage, and related materials pertaining to law enforcement investigations; logs in evidence and maintains records.

Requirements

Six months of experience involving forensic examinations of digital devices and computer systems or one year of experience in the installation, use and maintenance of computer hardware, software, and related peripheral equipment.
College level courses from an accredited college in Computer Science, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Computer Forensics or a related field.
Possession of a valid California driver's license.
Knowledge of basic investigative techniques related to computer and digital device forensics.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used to access, recover, review, validate, and preserve electronically stored data files.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of evidence collection, preservation and handling.
Knowledge of methods of restoring deleted files and accessing secured unencrypted data.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative without close supervision.
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.
Ability to learn police procedures, court testimony procedures and techniques.
Ability to learn to examine and analyze computer hardware, software, and electronically stored data pertaining to law enforcement investigations.
Ability to learn to use digital forensic extraction and analysis equipment including the use of digital camera and video capture software.
Ability to find and extract electronically stored information to be used as evidence.
Ability to restore deleted files.
Ability to learn to access secured data.
Ability to learn to prepare and present reports of findings.
Ability to learn to prepare and maintain accurate records and files.
Ability to learn to redact and enhance video/photos.
Ability to testify in court.
Ability to learn, understand, interpret and apply basic laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to prepare clear, detailed, and concise reports.
Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Responsibilities

Conduct forensic examinations of digital devices, computer systems, storage media and electronic storage devices to obtain evidence contained within.
Determine methods and techniques appropriate for extracting data from a variety of digital evidence items.
Use forensic software applications to analyze electronic media.
Extract digital information from cellular telephones using a variety of approved methods and tools.
Preserve and copy original media.
Restore recoverable deleted files.
Access password-protected and secured files.
Use digital forensic extraction and analysis equipment including the use of digital camera and video capture software to acquire electronic images.
Maintain specialized equipment assigned to the Crime Laboratory.
Prepare reports documenting examination procedures and results.
Maintain inventory records, repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of digital devices and equipment maintained by the Police Department such as cellular phones and body worn cameras.
Provide basic training to department personnel on digital devices used in the course of their duties such as cellular phones and body worn cameras.
Provide support to the Police Department with utilizing digital imaging techniques including video capture, enhancement, and redaction.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Perform related duties as assigned.