Forensic Caseworker

Victoria Police
Forensic Services Department
Lab Operations - Analytical Services
Fire And Explosion Unit
1 x ongoing FO-3 role available

**About the role**:
**The function of the Fire And Explosion Unit is to**:
Attend and examine fire and explosion scenes, and conduct investigative and evidential analysis, primarily to determine the cause of a fire or explosion, but in some cases to establish linkages between the fire and/or explosion scene and suspects, victims and possibly other scenes.
This position has a focus on fire scene examination and the laboratory examination of fire debris and related items. The position will also be required to conduct and/or assist with scene and laboratory examinations relating to explosives.
Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and supports flexible working arrangements.

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

- Manage and conduct the investigation of fire and explosion scenes.
- Conduct laboratory based examinations of samples relating to fire scenes, flammable liquids, explosives and items related to fire and explosion scenes.
- Prepare expert reports for the courts, police investigators and other stakeholders.
- Present expert evidence in court.
- Provide specialist advice in relation to fire scenes, flammable liquids, explosives, explosions and dangerous goods generally to various stakeholders.
- Perform work both individually and as a member of a team, which may include leading a team of para-professional staff in the investigation of a fire and/or explosion scene.
- Assist in the supervision of paraprofessional staff.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Provide scientific/technical advice regarding standard procedures to less experience members and assist in relevant internal and external training activities including the presentation of lectures/demonstrations/tours.
- Comply with and contribute to the requirements of the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program.
- Identify opportunities for method improvements and contribute to the maintenance of related documents.
- Assist in relevant research and development projects.
- Safely handle, transport and store flammable liquids, explosives, and other chemicals.

Skills & Experience

**As the successful applicant, you will have**:

- Undertake case work and report in own name.
- Convey specialist knowledge and judgement that impacts on legal deliberations and/or investigations including in the court context where opinion evidence is required.
- Deliver discipline related presentations using prescribed methods and procedures in casework.
- Attend, and examine crime scenes, and process related samples.
- Make qualified judgements that impact on the subsequent investigation and legal deliberations associated with casework.
- Assist in research and development, and training and development of staff by communicating professional/scientific/technical concepts.
- Supervise other staff as required.
- Where appropriate interpret results of analysis and undertake technical reviews of casework.
- Monitor and administer local contracts and service agreements within a well-defined service delivery framework.
- Solve problems that may require specialist knowledge in a number of scientific/technical fields.
- The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved Drivers Authority, a Licence to Use Blasting Explosives, a Pyrotechnicians Licence, and appropriate High Consequence Dangerous Goods Licences.
- A degree or post graduate degree in Science or Applied Science with a major in Chemistry is required.

**Requirements and relevant information**:

- Position is located at 31 Forensic drive Macleod, Victoria
- FO-3 Ongoing position available
- Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

How to apply
- Resume,
- Responses to the Selection Criteria - The Selection Criteria can be found within the position description, attached to this advertisement.

**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.