Senior Forensic Officer

Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Lab Operations – Biometric Services

Biological Sciences Group

Evidence Recovery Unit

Senior Forensic Officer (FO-4) – On-going position available.

About the role:

Units within the Biological Sciences Group (BSG) comprise VPS staff, Forensic Officers and Police members undertaking activities associated with the provision of a forensic biology service to the State of Victoria. This includes scene and laboratory-based evidence recovery, DNA analysis, DNA interpretation and reporting, and management of DNA profile samples in accordance with Section 464 of the Victorian Crimes Act 1958. 

As a Senior Technical Officer in the Evidence Recovery Unit, to provide scientific oversight of biological examination and screening techniques including validation and verification work within BSG.  

As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:

• Provide high level scientific/technical and professional service, including advice, leadership and guidance for Evidence Recovery of evidentiary items and reference samples as required.
• Ensure scientific/technical best practice for Evidence Recovery techniques is achieved and maintained across BSG.
• Ensure validation/verification work for Evidence Recovery techniques is undertaken in accordance with contemporary best practice.
• Undertake evidence recovery of casework evidential items and reference sample examination processes
• Undertake casework reviews of evidence recovery casework and provide vetting/sampling advice to examiners
• Ensure accreditation and quality requirements for Evidence Recovery examinations are achieved and maintained across BSG.
• Provide training to staff across FSD in Evidence Recovery Techniques and examinations.

Skills & Experience

As the successful applicant, you will have:

• A significant track record of forensic scientific/technical achievement. With a proven commitment to quality in casework and/or research where appropriate
• Demonstrated ability to provide expert advice to scientific/technical and non-scientific personnel at all levels including providing opinion evidence in court.
• Ability to manage and prioritise casework and meet deadlines within defined/agreed outputs/targets and/or to co-ordinate a team and meet team objectives.
• Diverse and specialist subject knowledge with an emphasis on forensic science and a proven ability to work autonomously and interpret examinations.
• Ability to conduct scene examinations where little or no supervisory advice is available.
• Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to monitor client and stakeholder satisfaction, and constructively manage stakeholder issues to ensure positive outcomes for the stakeholder and the Region/Department/Command.
• A proven record of ethical behaviour and a demonstrated commitment to the Victoria Police Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Organisational Values

 Requirements and relevant information:

• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod, Victoria
• Ongoing role available
• Please note Salary range after 01/05/2025 is $108,104 - $119,353
• The successful candidate will be required to:
• Provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only)
• Undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• Work after hours, weekends and public holidays (shift work).

How to apply

Your application must include:

• Resume,
• Completed application form - attached to the job advertisement. You must respond to the questions in the application form and attach same for your submission to be complete.

Applications close midnight, Tuesday13th May 2025.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and support flexible working arrangements.

For further information on this role contact: Fabio Guarino on 03 9450-9*** or via email *************@police.vi.gov.au

We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirement/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact the  Recruitment team via email ***************@POLICE.VIC.GOV.AU   

About Us:

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety. 

Victoria Police is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and inclusive of all our people.  We empower and expect our people, at all levels, to develop interpersonal connections and collaborate, use sound judgement, and create and innovate.

In alignment with the principle of self-determination, Victoria Police is dedicated to enhancing our collaboration with the Aboriginal community in Victoria as we build a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We continue to engage and build relationships with local Aboriginal communities and work closely with them to enhance opportunities and services aimed at empowerment, equality, and equal participation across all areas of the organisation.

We value the diversity and differences of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experience. We celebrate these diverse experiences and perspectives as each person brings an informed and contemporary approach to our work which enhances the wellbeing of all. We aim to provide a safe place that is reflective of the community it serves, allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.”

 Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps