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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Examine, disassemble, reassemble, evaluate, extract data, and interpret extracted data from computer hardware, smart phones, data storage devices, media storage devices, compact discs, digital video discs (DVDs), and detached or attached hard drives.
- Collect evidence, transfer data from evidentiary items to other forms of media for presentation in court and for long term storage as evidence.
- Investigate complex crimes involving digital media under the jurisdiction of Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
- Perform specialized investigative assignments in the collection, preservation, analysis of evidence.
- Incorporate computer forensic methods for searching seized computers in accordance with the rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure.
- Prepare written reports on the analysis completed and verbally communicate significant findings to appropriate Sheriff’s Office personnel.
- Testify in court and serve as an expert witness on evidence related issues.
- Provide training to department personnel who may encounter electronic evidence in the course of their duties.
- Create and maintain image archives.
- Provide image output, including but not limited to, photographic prints, video images, and computer files.
- Provide support to Sheriff’s Office units utilizing digital imaging techniques including video capture and enhancement and latent fingerprint photographic and enhancement services.
- Use and maintain specialized equipment and digital imaging technologies.
- Maintain forensic server and network. Perform system backups; troubleshoot server connectivity issues and apply fixes in coordination with County Information Services personnel as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience conducting forensic computer examination or cellular phone data extraction for a public or private agency, or four years of progressively responsible work in a similar field with extensive experience detecting, recovering, and analyzing data recovered from electronics.
Education:
Equivalent of two-year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or closely related field.
OR
Experience:
One year of experience conducting forensic computer examination or cellular phone data extractions for a public or private agency, or two years of progressively responsible work in a similar field with extensive experience detecting, recovering, and analyzing data recovered from electronics.
Education:
Equivalent of four-year degree from an accredited college or vocational school with major coursework in computer science, business, law enforcement, administration of justice, or closely related field.
Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license; must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Possession of Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification is required within one year of appointment in the position.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:- Examine and analyze computer hardware, software, and electronically stored data pertaining to law enforcement investigations.
- Collect, transport, process, and secure evidentiary materials.
- Work with various operating systems including but not limited to Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Unix file systems.
- Work across most hardware platforms including desktops, laptops, servers, and enterprise-level storage devices.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations, coordinate multiple tasks, and prioritize timelines.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision, and color perception.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent use of hand-eye coordination and repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Sit, and stand or walk for extended periods of time.
- Frequent public contact, concentration in noisy conditions, exposure to emergency situations.
- Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, cold and heat.
- Exposure to graphic images associated with criminal activity, of a sexual or pornographic nature, including images of children.
- Accept stand-by, call back, and overtime assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
- Principles and practices of digital media processing necessary to conduct computer forensic examinations.
- Principles and practices of electronic data storage, data encryption, and computer security systems.
- Relevant law enforcement and criminal prosecution codes and laws.
- Rules of evidence and court room procedures.
- Multiple operating systems including Windows, OSX, Android, IOS, Macintosh.
- Various computer forensics software and equipment.
- American Society of Crime Laboratory Director/ Laboratory Accreditation Board standards applying to digital forensics.
- Independently perform complex, exacting, and detailed computer analysis requiring the exercise of a high degree of analytical ability and reasoning.
- Set and meet work priorities and critical deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
- Prepare detailed and technical written reports.
- Devise and adapt work procedures, forms, spreadsheets and record-keeping to meet department needs.
- Collect, preserve, label, catalog, and store evidentiary items for presentation in criminal proceedings in accordance with legal standards.
- Maintain current knowledge of tools and trends in the field of Digital Forensics.
- Understand, interpret, and apply detailed instructions, rules, and regulations.
- Learn a variety of computer applications.
- Review, evaluate and analyze current crime/intelligence data, current events, periodicals, and publications related to criminals and their activity.
- Comprehend, interpret, and respond to crime/intelligence information and conduct analytical investigation.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Represented Employees $10,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Examine, disassemble, reassemble, evaluate, extract data, and interpret extracted data from computer hardware, smart phones, data storage devices, media storage devices, compact discs, digital video discs (DVDs), and detached or attached hard drives.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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