Digital Forensic Examiner 1

State of Pennsylvania

$69K — $104K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in digital forensics, cyber forensics, forensic science, computer science, or related IT field with specified credits in networking and security.
  • Equivalent experience/training with required credits also acceptable.
  • Active motor vehicle license required.
  • Certification as Certified Forensic Computer Examiner to be obtained during probation period.
  • Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) certification to be acquired during probation.

Responsibilities

  • Examine digital evidence and preserve original materials using forensic tools.
  • Recover data from various systems and retrieve deleted or encrypted files.
  • Engage in ongoing technical training and pursue relevant certifications.
  • Support law enforcement field operations and maintain evidence chain of custody.
  • Assist in the management of network security and undercover investigative networks.
  • Prepare digital evidence for court appearances and testify as needed.

Benefits

  • Multiple health insurance plans available for employees and families.
  • Competitive wages and financial wellness programs offered.
  • Generous paid leave benefits including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
  • Opportunities for professional development and internal mobility.
  • Access to discounts and employee-only perks.
Full Job Description
Salary: $69,086.00 - $104,959.00 Annually
Location : Indiana County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Pennsylvania State Police
Division: SP Cmp Crm Task Force
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 01508
Position Number: Multiple positions my be filled from this posting.
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00208243
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Southwest Computer Crime Task Force
Worksite Address: 35 Fenton Road
City: Indiana, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15701
Contact Name: PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement
Contact Email: [email protected]

THE POSITION
As a Digital Forensic Examiner with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), you will take on a hands-on role that brings technology and investigation together. This position gives you the chance to analyze a wide range of digital devices, uncover critical evidence, and support important criminal cases. Your work ensures that electronic information is properly recovered, protected, and ready for use by investigators and prosecutors. Join a dedicated team where your expertise helps uncover key evidence and advance important investigations.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports criminal investigations by analyzing electronic evidence, recovering data, and applying digital forensic techniques. As a Digital Forensic Examiner, you will perform the following duties:
  • Evidence Examination: Receive digital devices, preserve original evidence, and conduct examinations using specialized forensic tools and techniques
  • Data Recovery: Access operating and file systems, retrieve case-related electronic information, and recover deleted, encrypted, or damaged files
  • Technical Training: Participate in classroom and practical instruction and pursue certification in data recovery analysis, operating systems, and network communications
  • Field Support: Assist investigators in field operations, help determine which equipment to seize, and maintain evidentiary chain of custody
  • Network Assistance: Support networking activities by updating security, managing devices, and maintaining undercover investigative networks
  • Court Preparation: Testify when required and assist with preparing digital evidence and media for court proceedings

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
  • Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. You may have occasional overnight travel.
  • 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 $69,086.00 (before taxes).
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
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:
  • You must be in the possession of an active motor vehicle license.


Other Requirements:
  • You must obtain Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
  • You must obtain 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:
  • 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

  • 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.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Special Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
  • Yes
  • No

02

If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03

Have you successfully completed, or are you within three months of completing a bachelor's degree in digital forensics, cyber forensics, forensic science, computer science or any information technology field?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • Yes
  • No

04

If you are within three months of completing a bachelor's degree in digital forensics, cyber forensics, forensic science, computer science or any information technology field, on what date do you expect to graduate? If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the text box.
05

How much college coursework have you completed in digital forensics, cyber forensics, forensic science, computer science or any information technology?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
  • A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher level degree
  • 120 credits or more
  • 90 but less than 120 credits
  • 60 but less than 90 credits
  • 30 but less than 60 credits
  • Less than 30 credits
  • None

06

Have you completed at least 3 college credits in computer networking?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreig

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