CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
DIGITAL FORENSICS EXAMINER I/II
Attachment C
JOB TITLE: Digital Forensics Examiner I/II DEPARTMENT: Police CLASSIFICATION: Exempt UNIT: pn GRADE: 424/ 441
ESTABLISHED: June 2025 LEVEL: Individual Contributor
SUMMARY / IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Under general direction, performs specialized forensic computer and digital device examinations ; preserves original evidence and performs other related duties as required The Digital Forensics Examiner I/II is a flexibly staffed non-sworn position that has an Individual Contributor role that provides advanced level in the full range of investigative IT forensic work, exercising a high degree of independent judgement, providing project oversight, and performing the most complex assignments that require extensive knowledge and proficiency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:
Conducts seizures and examinations of electronic devices including cell phones/smart phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, and corresponding electronic data storage media to secure and recover data as evidence. seizure and examination may occur in laboratory or field settings.
Produces images for analysis purposes; troubleshoots, repairs, assembles, and disassembles digital devices to access evidence and assists in court preparation of evidence and media used during prosecution. Testifies about digital evidence, the procedures used to obtain the evidence, and the findings of digital forensic examiners.
Conducts primarily Internet-based and online investigations of unlawful activities and crimes, and may assist in other department investigations regarding such unlawful and criminal activities
Create investigative reports documenting the findings of the forensic examination; provide expert testimony in court related to computer analysis. Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Review case files to locate alleged violations, determine evidentiary needs, and extract case file information useful to the investigation.
Prepare and maintain statistical and operational logs, records, and reports; maintain computerized databases related to the assigned investigative activities. Provide guidance, direction and review of investigative reports documenting the findings of the forensic examination; oversee the storage and maintenance of forensic evidence according to accepted protocols.
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
DIGITAL FORENSICS EXAMINER I/II
Performs other related duties, as assigned, and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during investigation, including assisting other agencies.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Individual Contributor:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):
Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take res ponsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded. Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation. Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise. Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Digital Forensics Examiner I:
Ideally, two years professional experience in digital forensics field. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above
Digital Forensics Examiner II:
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
DIGITAL FORENSICS EXAMINER I/II
Four years of professional experience working as a digital forensics examiner for a law enforcement agency (preferred) or a related field.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field. Completion of recognized digital forensic training programs, such as those offered by the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), SANS Institute, or International; Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).
Experience preparing forensic reports.
Ideally testifying as an expert witness in criminal investigations; and/or Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Employees may be considered for a level II advancement after completion of three years in their current assignment, at the Department Director discretion.
Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession in the digital forensics field, such as:
o International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists certification o Cellebrite,
o Axiom,
o Access Data FTK,
o Encase,
o AMP Five, or
o Input Ace.
Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the city. The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City. Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
EMPLOYEE CONFIRMATION
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
DIGITAL FORENSICS EXAMINER I/II
☐I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all the essential functions of this position. I agree to comply with City policies and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct related to my position.
Employee Date