Digital Forensic Specialist

Join the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) Criminal Intelligence division in the role of Digital Forensics Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for all aspects related to digital electronic device extractions in support of criminal investigations.

The Digital Forensic Specialist position provides complex case support through extracting digital data from various devices. This role involves providing recovered data to law enforcement, prosecutors, paralegals, and criminal analysts. Key responsibilities include using specialized forensic hardware, software, and information technology tools to identify, collect, and preserve digital evidence in accordance with investigative protocols.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program .

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Location and hours:
This position is located at the 625 Building located at 625 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415. Candidates must be able to travel to other law enforcement agencies including court appearances. The primary work schedule is Monday through Friday, daytime hours, but could occasionally include nights, weekends, overtime, or holidays.
New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.
About the position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as a Digital Forensic Specialist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
In this position, you will:

• Receive and process electronic communication devices relative to criminal investigations from law enforcement officials following chain of custody procedures, rules of evidence, and standards of the electronic device forensics community.
• Use specialized equipment and software to search and extract data from a variety of electronic devices.
• Discuss and prepare a plan in coordination with the requesting law enforcement entity to meet case needs and identify areas in need of further investigative follow up.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with staff from HSCO, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, to promote open communication for the exchange of information that supports investigations and facilitates the sharing of ideas related to digital cellular device forensics, analytical methods, tools, and techniques.
• Perform duplicate image backup of the evidence received to preserve the state of those materials at the time of receipt.
• Restore deleted or corrupted files when possible and relevant.
• Prepare and organize recovered information in a structured format for the requester and/or investigative analyst; produce clear and concise reports detailing the nature of the examinations conducted and the findings or conclusions reached.
• Compile case materials and court exhibits in preparation for potential legal proceedings and testimony.

Need to have:

• One of the following:

  • Seven or more years of experience in information security or digital forensics.
  • Associates degree or higher in computer science, information technology, cyber security, or other related degree and five or more years of experience in i nformation security or digital forensics.
  • Bachelors degree or higher in one of the above fields or other related degree and three or more years of experience in i nformation security or digital forensics.
• Note: The following certifications can be substituted for one year of experience: Certified Forensic Computer Examiner, IACIS Certified Mobile Device Examiner , Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner , GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner , GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst , GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware , GIAC Network Forensic Analyst , Certified Information Systems Security Professional .
• Note: Relevant work experience in a corporate, military, or other public sector environment may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Testifying in court.
  • Providing technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Using computer software to evaluate, compare and identify, and document evidence.
  • In investigative techniques and rules of evidence related to criminal investigations.
  • Working as either a forensics technician or examiner within a digital evidence facility that supports criminal investigations and has an external accreditation or internal quality assurance framework.
  • Working as a digital cellular device forensic examiner within a law enforcement agency.
• Certifications as a digital cellular device forensic examiner.
• Strong oral communications skills.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word, and Excel, or equivalent programs as evidenced in the resume.
• Working knowledge of Federal rules and organizational policies in defining, handling, and examining digital evidence.
• Ability to attend formal courses to develop and maintain the most current knowledge and skills in the digital cellular device forensics extraction process and the application of proper forensics extraction methods and techniques.

About the department:
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office serves the county's 1.2 million residents. State law mandates most of the sheriff's office duties, including managing the county jail, providing security to the district court, and patrolling the waterways in the county.
The Sheriff's Office also runs specialized initiatives like Criminal Information Sharing and Analysis (CISA), Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF), Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation, Community Outreach and Employee Wellness. The mission of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is providing quality professional services while building meaningful relationships that are sustainable within our communities, and with our partners, to ensure justice and safety for all.

About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that reduce disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).

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The list created from this job announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test that may include testing for cannabis and/or criminal background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Lidy Vu
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