Digital Forensics Examiners

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - NSW; ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 03 ($72,339.00 - $84,458.00) within the Forensics Broadband 3-6. These roles also attract an additional 22% composite*

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15361

This advertisement is to create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

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 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• 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

Are you looking to pursue a career in Digital Forensics?

The Australian Federal Police is recruiting for Digital Forensic Examiner positions (Band 3) within our Forensics Command. Joining the AFP Forensics Command will provide you with opportunities to work in our award-winning Canberra Forensic facility, or in AFP laboratories nationally (depending on role requirements), and even overseas supporting operations and partner agencies. Your in-house training will be provided by leading subject matter experts in their field using state of the art technology and you will have opportunities to cross skill through our premier Professional Development Continuum program. Support can also be provided for continuing education and to undertake research in your specialist area, including attendance at major conferences both nationally and internationally.

The AFP currently has Digital Forensic teams located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth & Sydney. Forensic members need to be both flexible and mobile as well as able to deploy both nationally or internationally as required. There are anticipated vacancies for Digital Forensic Examiners in Canberra and Sydney and successful candidates are expected to be based in these locations. Unfortunately due to the nature of the work performed, remote work arrangements are not available. 

What will you do?

Digital Forensics is part of the broader AFP Forensics Command 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. Further information is detailed in the candidate pack.

The role will involve:

• 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 and frequent. 

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.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or extensive experience and knowledge in Digital Forensics or a related field. Applicable tertiary qualifications include Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software/Computer Engineering or similar.
• Have a demonstrated capacity to learn technical or scientific concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a high performing team.

Desirable Requirements

• Excellent communication skills and an ability to engage with investigators and other stakeholders.
• Experience using Digital Forensics tools such as X-Ways Forensics, Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite UFED, MSAB XRY, Autopsy etc.
• Understanding and experience of IT troubleshooting basics.
• Experience with computer programming in languages such as Python, Java or C#.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.

Additional Information

• 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 2024- 2027, 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 role.
• The selection advisory committee may request permission to contact your referees.
• No feedback will be provided to applicants that are unsuccessful at application stage.

Selection Criteria

• Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes
• Communicating and working effectively with other people
• Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum one page). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. 

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer:  Dane Stephens,

Contact Officer Phone:  02 5126 3099, ​

Contact Officer Email:  DF-Recruitment@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 31/10/2025

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au