Civilian Forensics Analyst

Overview

As a Civilian Forensics Analyst, you’ll support criminal investigations by analyzing digital evidence and providing technical expertise to law enforcement and prosecutors. This role is primarily focused on digital forensics—including computers, mobile devices, and electronic data—while also providing supplemental investigative assistance in the field when assigned.

In this position, you’ll work closely with detectives, officers, and attorneys to collect, preserve, analyze, and present evidence used in criminal cases. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys deep analytical work, values precision and documentation, and appreciates the opportunity to see how digital evidence fits into real-world investigations. This is not a sworn role, but your work will play a critical part in case outcomes and public safety.

Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We’re looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

Digital Forensics & Technical Evidence Analysis

• Collect, receive, document, manage, and process digital and physical evidence for forensic examination.
• Conduct forensic analysis of computers, mobile devices, and digital storage media, including deleted, hidden, or encrypted data.
• Create exact forensic copies of digital devices both in the lab and in the field.
• Select appropriate forensic tools and methods based on investigative and legal requirements.
• Prepare clear, detailed forensic reports documenting procedures, tools, and findings.
• Present forensic findings to investigators and testify in court regarding digital evidence and methodologies.
• Support detectives and prosecutors with search warrants and digital evidence preparation for court.

Civilian Investigative and Case Support Assistance

• Provide supplemental assistance in criminal investigations as assigned by a supervisor.
• Assist with evidence collection, packaging, labeling, logging, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Photograph and video-document crime scenes, locations, and evidence as directed.
• Assist with written statements and other investigative documentation.
• Support search warrant services and field deployments to locate or secure evidence.

You Have

• An associate degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least three years of experience in a computer-related field.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to field locations as needed.
• The ability to complete law enforcement computer forensics training.
• Law enforcement experience or International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification is preferred but not required.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Enjoy technical, detail-focused work analyzing digital devices, data, and systems.
• Can clearly document and explain findings, both in writing and when speaking with investigators,…