Forensic Officer

**Victoria Police**

**Forensic Services Department**

**Lab Operations - Analytical Services**

**Drug Sciences Group**

**Forensic Officer Level 2 (FO-2) - On-going positions available.**

**About the role**:
The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department is an accredited laboratory that provides a professional forensic service to Victoria Police, persons involved with the administration of justice and the public.

The Chemical Drug Intelligence (CDI) Unit provides technical and administrative casework support to the Drug Analysis, Clandestine Laboratory and Botany units. In addition, it provides support to other Units across the Laboratory Operations - Analytical Services (LOAS) Division as required. Casework support is provided in both laboratory settings and at crime scenes.

CDI also maintains a database of drug seizure data from drugs seized by Victoria Police and, upon request, provides drug trend information, to internal and external stakeholders for law enforcement, drug intelligence, policy, harm reduction, education, and research purposes.

The position provides quality and timely technical and administrative casework support to the Drug Sciences Group and to other units within the LOAS Division as required.

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

- _Conduct analysis of samples and initial examination of exhibits under direction and supervision using defined methods and procedures._
- Attend and assist at secondary locations, including crime scenes, under direction and supervision to recover exhibits and samples where required.
- Process cases and prepare relevant case files for caseworkers.
- Maintain continuity of exhibits using the laboratory information management system
- Conduct quality controls within the work area, including keeping records where necessary.
- Present factual evidence in Courts of Law where required.
- Operate and maintain existing systems and processes including technical and scientific equipment.
- Assist in prioritising tasks in order to achieve specified targets.
- Solve routine problems using readily available information.
- Regularly interact with a range of internal and external stakeholders to provide information.
- Provide general administrative assistance, including, but not limited to, responding to customer enquiries, procurement, maintain records (electronic and hard copy), compiling reports and ordering/maintaining stocks of laboratory consumables.
- Perform work individually and as a member of a team
- As part of a team assist in relevant research and development projects to improve and expand Group methodology and capability
- Assist with the presentation of lectures/demonstrations/tours
- Maintain appropriate knowledge and adhere to Victoria Police policies, procedures, legislation, and laboratory accreditation requirements

**Skills & Experience**
- As the successful applicant, you will have: _
- Ability to undertake scientific/technical examinations following established procedures.
- Experience with the operation and maintenance of relevant scientific instrumentation.
- Proven administrative skills including the maintenance of detailed and accurate records.
- Well-developed oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on the ability to impart specialist knowledge and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work autonomously and/or in a team environment and to manage workloads in order to meet defined/agreed targets and deadlines.
- Prepare reports and provide results on technical matters relevant to own work area.
- An understanding of the customer service requirements of the position and a demonstrated record of strong commitment and achievement in meeting customer needs.
- 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**:

- Ongoing roles available
- A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent is desirable.
- Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod, Victoria
- In addition to the requirement to attend work at VPFSC, Macleod, the position may require the incumbent to attend work at VPC, 311 Spencer Street, Melbourne
- The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police approved Driving Authority.
- The position may require the incumbent to be exposed to material that is offensive and/or graphic in nature.
- 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).
- We expect our people to foster a safe and inclusive environment where their behaviour and attitude reflects, builds upon and