Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16761
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 150
Position DescriptionAbout The Harris County Public Defender's Office:The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system. We value professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and compassionate public service.
Position Overview:Join the Public Defender's Office as an IT Forensics Technician, supporting investigators and attorneys by collecting, preserving, and preparing digital evidence for use in court. This role combines fieldwork, technical expertise, and hands-on support across digital forensics, A/V operations, and daily IT needs.
Duties and Responsibilities: - Digital Evidence Collection - Travel to various locations to collect, identify, and preserve digital evidence, including mobile device extractions and metadata review.
- Forensic Media Work - Edit, redact, enhance, and prepare video, audio, and photo files for investigative and trial use.
- Trial Technology Support - Assist attorneys in developing digital, electronic, and demonstrative materials for hearings and trial.
- Technical Support - Provide Tier 1 help desk support, troubleshoot equipment, and maintain IT systems to ensure smooth daily operations.
- A/V & Conferencing Support - Set up, operate, and troubleshoot A/V systems and video-conferencing for meetings, interviews, and courtroom proceedings.
- Meeting Recording - Record in-person or virtual meetings as needed for case or administrative use.
- Media Handling - Download, convert, and identify software needed to play diverse media formats; manage DVR systems.
- Technology Readiness - Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to improving office tech capabilities.
- Other Duties - Perform additional tasks as assigned to support office operations.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer;br> If you need special services or accommodations, please call or
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. RequirementsEducation and Experience:- Associates degree or two (2) years of college coursework from an accredited college or university
- Or equivalent experience.
- IT Work Experience - Two (2)years of verifiable experience in Information Technology.
- Digital Forensics / Media Experience - One (1) year of verifiable experience in digital forensics, media handling, or a related technical role.
- Customer Service Experience - One (1) year of experience providing customer or technical support.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- IT & A/V Systems Knowledge - Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, A/V systems, networking, and security fundamentals.
- Media Editing & Enhancement - Proficiency in enhancing and editing video, audio, and photo files for investigative and trial use.
- Problem-Solving Skills - Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Communication Skills - Ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.
- Fieldwork Readiness - Willingness to travel and perform on-site evidence collection or technical support.
- DVR Proficiency - Experience operating and troubleshooting DVR systems.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but
ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.Preferences - Bachelor's degree or equivalent - Bachelor's degree, four (4) years of college coursework, or equivalent experience.
- IT Experience - Five (5) years of verifiable work experience in Information Technology.
- Digital Forensics Experience - Three (3) years of verifiable experience in digital forensics, media handling, or a similar technical role.
- Cellebrite Certification - Cellebrite certification (e.g., CCME, CCO, CCPA) or an equivalent industry-recognized digital forensics certification.
General InformationPosition Type and Typical Hours of Work:- Regular Full-time
- Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. | Regular weekday hours.
- On-call availability required for urgent technical or forensic needs.
- Extended hours may be necessary during special projects, deadlines, or emergency activations, including occasional evenings or weekends.
Salary:- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
Physical Demands:- Lifting and equipment handling - Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs. and move boxes, devices, and equipment as needed.
- Physical mobility - Duties may require kneeling, crouching, climbing, walking, sitting, twisting, reaching, and other movements essential to fieldwork and equipment setup.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITSHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered
only to Harris County employees in
regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in
full-time and select
part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.
- High School or GED diploma
- Two (2) years of college coursework
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
- None of the above
02
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in Information Technology?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
- Less than two (2) years
- Two (2) years but less than three (3) years
- Three (3) years but less than four (4) years
- Four (4) years but less than five (5) years
- Five (5) years or more
- I do not have this experience
03
Do you have one (1) year of verifiable experience in digital forensics, media handling, or a related technical role?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
04
Do you have one (1) year of experience providing customer or technical support?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
05
Do you have a Cellebrite certification (e.g., CCME, CCO, CCPA) or an equivalent industry-recognized digital forensics certification?
Required Question