Electronic Forensic Analyst

Dakota County•Hastings, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves analyzing advanced and specialized forensic evidence related to potential criminal activities. The analyst will conduct searches on various equipment, including computer hard drives, cell phones, and other digital media. They will perform forensic examinations on seized digital storage media systems and provide investigative and technical guidance regarding related digital evidence. The role requires continuously analyzing technology trends and integrating proven forensic investigation techniques and supporting technologies. The Electronic Forensic Analyst will join the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office as a key member of the Dakota County Electronic Crimes Task Force, collaborating closely with colleagues on a wide range of complex criminal investigations.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree. Preferred in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.
2 years of experience working in forensic technology involving computer forensics, electronic discovery and technical investigations.
An equivalent combination of education and experience to equal 6 years.

Nice To Haves

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certifications.
Understanding / experience in criminal law.
Experience with digital forensic software such as Cellebrite products, Magnet Forensic products, X-Ways Forensics, etc.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of specialized computer forensics and electronic discovery services from digital media including evidence preservation, forensic analysis, data recovery, tape recovery, electronic mail extraction, and database examination. Digital media includes a wide variety of electronic data storage and transfer devices including computers, laptops, cellular phones, PDA's and the images, spreadsheets and other types of files stored on these devices.
Maintains strict protocol guidelines for chain of custody and all the evidence to ensure integrity of each item of evidence is handled and analyzed according to meet legal practice requirements that includes: collecting, transporting, receiving, storing, labeling and preserving data collected for digital evidence on submittal for examination and analysis.
Determines the most appropriate method of protecting original evidence and recovering deleted, erased, hidden and encrypted digital evidence.
Evaluates scientific results of analysis to determine the validity and whether the information has forensic significance.
Provides technical guidance in evaluating and investigating cases where computer of related computer media has potential evidence.
Provides progress reports regarding investigations as well as detailed and technical report summaries of findings in written and verbal formats.
Interacts with investigators from law enforcement and IT department personnel to acquire information necessary to perform forensic examinations. Demonstrates the ability to communicate, coordinate and cooperate with these agencies and in a task force environment.
Provides expert testimony in the field of computer forensics; prepares evidence and presents expert testimony in court on results of seizure and handling of evidence, and results of analysis conducted.
Continually updates and develops skills regarding new computer technology and use of new software and hardware tools to extract information from computer and digital media systems.
Attends training, workshops and seminars to maintain current methodologies and knowledge of trends and developments in the field of computer forensics.
Reviews various court decisions relating to the field of computer forensics.
Travels to a variety of locations throughout the county to provide technical assistance to investigators and to collect evidence.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
Flexible spending accounts
Excellent work-life balance
Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
Carry over unused flex year to year
Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
Pension with a generous employer contribution-PERA Pension
Telework may occasionally be available
Three weeks paid parental leave
Comprehensive wellness program – peer support team, on-site fitness center, annual wellness check-in, and employee assistance program