Computer Forensic Scientist

Salary : $27.26 - $37.64 Hourly

Location : Minneapolis, MN

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 2025-00100

Department : Police

Division : Police

Opening Date : 02 / 26 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 12 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit : CPE

Position Description

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose - serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

This position is specifically for a Forensic Scientist I (FSI) assigned to the Computer Forensics Unit. The Computer Forensics Unit is primarily responsible for the examination of cellular phones, computers, and other electronic devices in relationship to criminal investigations.

Under the direction of qualified Police Department trainers, the FSI will train and show the progressive competencies required of a Computer Forensic Examiner. These competencies include the methods and techniques utilized for processing cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. The FSI will also be required to demonstrate proficiency in the completion of technical records, report writing, and court testimony.

The FSI will complete training in computer forensic procedures of the Minneapolis Police Department Forensic Services Division and become proficient in all job duties before providing full performance as a Forensic Scientist with the Minneapolis Police Department.

The MPD Forensics - Computer Forensics section is staffed Monday-Friday, business hours. This position could include working overtime hours, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Location

This location is on-site only

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Salary :

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is : $27.26 - 37.64 / hour.

Because this is a Hard-to-Fill job classification, the Police department is offering a wage adjustment of up to an additional fifteen percent (15%) over and above the regular salary schedule established for the position. This market adjustment is contingent on the employee's continued satisfactory performance.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Successfully complete training in one or more specified areas of forensic science services provided by the Minneapolis Police Department Forensic Services Division and become proficient in all job duties.
• Demonstrate knowledge of procedures necessary to provide analyses on submitted evidence so competency in the discipline can be achieved.
• Pass all competency tests in the discipline so quality assurance requirements are achieved.
• Demonstrate a working level of skill and ability in laboratory techniques and the ability to obtain accurate and reproducible results so that accurate, complete results are obtained once training has been completed.

Extract and parse data from cell phones and computers

Create technical records and reports for investigators and prosecutors that clearly convey the results of an examination.

Collection of cell phones and computers from a crime scene while maintaining proper collection standards.

Compile and upload technical records to various databases.

Maintain membership with various online digital forensics groups to keep up to date with changes in the field.

Working Conditions

Office and Field

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Physical Science, Criminal Justice or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

N / A

Licenses and / or Certifications

Valid Driver's License

Certifications

Must be able to pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Forensic Services Division Competency Exam within three (3) years of hire.

Required Attachments

You must attach a resume and diploma / transcripts to your application.

Union Representation : This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA) For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit :

Selection Process

Eligibility to be considered for the position will be determined by a rating of training and experience, written exam and / or oral examination (100%). It is very important to fully describe your education and work experience as it relates to this opening in your online application. The City of Minneapolis Human Resource office reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Eligible Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire six (6) months after it has been established.

Background Check

The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must gain pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Forensic Services Division competency exam within three years.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Benefits Summary

Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the

Insurance

Health insurance

Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance

The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Life insurance

The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.

Paid time off

Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and

Paid parental leave

City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Retirement

City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

Transportation

Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs :

Learning and development

To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine's, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other perks

Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, the , health club discounts and more.

How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)

Please specify where you heard about this position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).

This position will require an extensive Minneapolis Police Department background check. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony crime will not be considered, including any prior thefts or other criminal convictions related to dishonesty. Will you be able to pass this background check?

What is the highest level of education that you have successfully completed?

Do you currently have, or have you ever held, any of the following certifications? Please check all that apply (Certifications will require verification).

Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)

How many years of full-time experience do you have performing cell phone forensic examinations or computer forensic examinations (Full time experience equals 40hrs / week or 2080hrs / year. Internships will be based on the full-time equivalency)?

How many years of experience do you have testifying as an expert in criminal court proceedings?

How many years of full-time experience do you have working in an accredited crime lab (such as ANAB)? (Full time experience equals 40hrs / week or 2080hrs / year. Internships will be on the full-time equivalency)

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

Do you have experience gathering and analyzing digital evidence from devices such as computers, flash drives, cell phones, tablets, and other technologies?

Have you received any training (from a vendor, lab, or police agency) related to any of the following digital forensics tools?

Required Question