Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analyst

• Location
  Springfield, Illinois
• Office
  Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services
• Posted Date
  February 6, 2026
• Division
  Director's Office
• Benefits
  An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.
• Salary
  $91,848-$116,184 starting salary commensurate with experience

The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services’ (OSPS or Office) is a statewide office that provides pretrial services under the Pretrial Services Act, 725 ILCS 185. The Office’s mission is to assist in the administration of justice and promote community safety by ensuring fairness and equality in the pretrial process. OSPS prepares pretrial investigation reports for the courts and supervises individuals released from custody as directed by the court.

Current Available Shift:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Benefits:

An attractive judicial branch benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time.

Click Here for State Employee General Benefits

Click Here for OSPS Summary of Benefits

Essential Duties: 

The role requires collaboration with law enforcement partners, courts, and internal stakeholders to support the mission of justice and public safety. The Forensic Computer Analyst works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Functions Include:

• Performs forensic acquisition, preservation, and analysis of digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, cloud environments, and other electronic media in accordance with legal and procedural standards
• Applies validated forensic methodologies to identify, recover, and interpret relevant data, including deleted, encrypted, or hidden information.
• Analyzes system logs, artifacts, and metadata to reconstruct user activity and establish timelines of events.
• Maintains complete chain-of-custody documentation to ensure evidentiary integrity and admissibility in court.
• Receives, tracks, and secures digital evidence in accordance with established protocols; assists with evidence inventory, documentation, and disposal procedures.
• Validates and verifies forensic tools, hardware, and software to ensure reliability, accuracy, and compliance with accepted forensic standards.
• Prepares clear, detailed, and legally defensible reports summarizing forensic methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Provides expert testimony in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings as required.
• Assists investigators with search warrant preparation, investigative planning, and lawful collection of electronic evidence.
• Provides training and technical guidance to OSPS staff and partner agencies on proper forensic procedures, evidence handling, and documentation standards.
• Serves as a subject-matter resource to law enforcement agencies and internal divisions on digital forensic and investigative matters.
• Works closely with the Information Technology Department to ensure secure data handling, system integrity, and integration of forensic processes.
• Collaborates with all OSPS divisions to support investigations, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure consistent application of digital evidence practices.
• Maintains awareness of emerging forensic technologies, investigative methods, and best practices to ensure the continued effectiveness of digital investigations.
• Collaborates with external agencies, professional associations, and peer organizations to share knowledge and strengthen OSPS investigative capabilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, computer science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in a public or private organization, including experience conducting digital forensic examinations or investigations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital forensics principles, data preservation standards, and evidence handling procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of digital technologies and hardware, including computers, mobile devices, storage media, and related peripherals.
• Ability to perform forensically sound imaging, basic hardware disassembly, and documentation of forensic examination steps and findings.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify trends or patterns of noncompliance.
• Ability to testify effectively regarding findings and forensic methodologies.
• Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and maintain a safe driving record.
• Ability to be LEADS (Law Enforcement Agencies Data System) certified.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in computer science, information technology, digital forensics, or criminal justice from an accredited institution.
• Five or more years of professional experience conducting digital forensic examinations or investigations.
• Certifications in digital forensics or related disciplines (e.g., CFCE, EnCE, ACE, GCFE, GCFA, IACIS, SANS, IPPC, or comparable).
• Experience with federal or state law enforcement forensic programs (e.g., FBI CART, U.S. Secret Service, National White Collar Crime Center).
• Knowledge of telephone, wireless, and mobile communication systems as they relate to forensic examinations.
• Experience testifying in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings regarding digital evidence or forensic analysis.
• Experience providing training or technical assistance to law enforcement or investigative personnel.
• Proficiency with advanced forensic tools and software such as EnCase, FTK, Cellebrite, X-Ways, or Autopsy.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership skills including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.

• Effective oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with co-workers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended time periods.
• Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.
• Ability to travel, mostly within Illinois, including overnight stays, as required.

How To Apply

Interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter through the form below.

APPLY TODAY!

An OSPS Job Application is not required to apply, but it will be required before final hiring decisions are made. The application can be downloaded from the Join our Team website:

OSPS Job Application

Any questions about this position or the application process can also be submitted via email at the following address: HR@ilopsp.gov.

The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services (OSPS) does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is OSPS able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with OSPS, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER