Forensics Science Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Join a mission-driven team that uses digital expertise to support law enforcement. As a Digital Forensic Examiner 1 with the Pennsylvania State Police, you will explore electronic devices to reveal important evidence. Every analysis you complete contributes to safe communities across the Commonwealth. This role is ideal for someone eager to learn and make an impact.

This position focuses on examining digital devices and electronic evidence to support criminal investigations. You will help ensure that important information is identified, preserved, and communicated accurately. As a Digital Forensic Examiner 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Evidence Examination: Analyze electronic devices and media to locate, preserve, and extract case-related information
• Data Recovery: Use forensic tools to retrieve deleted, damaged, or hidden files from diverse systems
• Training Development: Learn forensic methods, earn certifications, and research techniques needed for unfamiliar technologies
• Field Assistance: Assist investigators during field operations by helping collect and secure digital equipment
• Network Support: Support network systems used by examiners, including updates, maintenance, and configuration tasks
• Court Preparation: Help organize evidence for prosecution and provide testimony when requested

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Occasional overnight travel may be needed
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $69,086 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in digital forensics, cyber forensics, forensic science, computer science or any information technology field that includes 3 college credits in computer networking and 3 college credits in information technology security, network security, or cyber security; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 3 college credits in computer networking and 3 college credits in information technology security, network security, or cybersecurity.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must obtain Certified Forensic Computer Examiner within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must obtain and maintain an active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass criminal history and background investigations if you do not have a current Pennsylvania State Police background on file.
• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the Pennsylvania State Police Medical Officer.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.