Digital Forensic Examiners

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Digital Forensics Examiner within the AFP Digital Forensics team. Digital Forensics is part of the broader AFP Forensics portfolio and is a branch of forensic science that focuses on identifying, acquiring, processing, analysing, and reporting on data that is stored and/or transmitted electronically. The AFP recruits Digital Forensics examiners at either the Band 3, 4 or 6 levels within the Forensics Broadband.

The AFP has Digital Forensic teams located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth & Sydney. 

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

Successful candidate(s) will:

• provide technical support to investigators
• attend search warrants and crime scenes
• plan and conduct examinations or analysis
• search for evidence of criminal activity
• present findings and testify evidence in court
• contribute to research and capability development projects
• maintain currency in subject matter expertise through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• provide accurate and professional technical advice to domestic and international agency partners
• ensure outputs are achieved within the strategic direction of the AFP
• provide advice and guidance to the AFP on emerging trends and threat environments.

Please be aware, during the course of Digital Forensic Examiner duties, exposure to offensive and explicit material is likely.

Important: For more information on these roles and eligibility, please refer to the candidate pack.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Professional and personal inquisitiveness and curiosity.
• A willingness to learn.
• Good communication and resilience skills.

Desirable Requirements

Band 3

• Formal education or experience relevant to Digital Forensics or another technical related field.
• Technical aptitude in Information Communications Technology.

Band 4

• 3+ years of professional experience in Digital Forensics or 4+ years of professional experience in an equivalent field (e.g. Cybersecurity, ICT, programming etc.).
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field is desirable (e.g., Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology).
• Digital Forensic certifications such as ISFCE CCE; IACIS CFCE, GCFA, GASF, GIME etc.
• Experience using Digital Forensics tools such as X-Ways Forensics, Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite UFED, MSAB XRY etc.
• Experience with computer programing in either Python, Java or C#.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.

Band 6

• 5+ years of professional experience in Digital Forensics.
• Experience in providing courtroom testimony as an Expert Witness.
• Digital Forensic certifications such as GNFA or similar.
• Demonstrated technical leadership.

Additional Information

• These positions are AFP Broadband 3-6
• *This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2017- 2020, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their Base Salary which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.
• Some interstate and international travel may be required
• As part of the shortlisting process, applicants may be required to complete further testing, assessments, psychological screening and/or video or face to face interviews.
• (AFP DF members cannot be advanced or promoted through this Recruitment process).
• No feedback will be provided to applicants that are unsuccessful at application stage.
• AFP employees are required to have received a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used). Satisfactory proof of vaccination status will be required at the time an offer of employment is made. Please contact the Recruitment Team if you wish to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine requirements further.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is an operational priority for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). To be an effective police force, we must be reflective of the community we serve, working across languages, cultures and transnational borders. The 2023-26 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the guiding framework for delivering the AFP’s diversity and inclusion goals and reflecting our commitment to being an employer of choice, incorporating diversity and inclusion principles in day-to-day practice and building a psychologically and culturally safe workplace. This includes hiring people from diverse backgrounds who bring their lived experience to contribute, and add value, to the AFP. Find out more about how the AFP embraces diversity and inclusion.

Contact Officer - Scott Rees; Kate Campbell,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 51216 ***7 & (02) 5126 1***, ​

Contact Officer Email: ***********@afp.gov.au; *************@afp.gov.au