Forensic Officer

Location: Melbourne | Northern Metropolitan

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Victoria Police

**Salary**: $71,849 - $79,323

Occupation: Science

Reference: VG/E20007917A

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.

**Victoria Police**

**Forensic Services Department**

**Lab Operations - Analytical Services**

**Fires and Explosions Unit**

**1 x Ongoing FO-2 role available**

**About the role**:
The primary function of the Fire & Explosion Unit is to investigate suspicious fires & explosions and perform laboratory examinations of items associated with fires & explosions/explosives.

**The Fire & Explosion Unit provides a range of services which include**:

- Attendance at the scenes of suspicious fires throughout all of Victoria and the investigation of the cause and origin of the fires.
- The investigation of fires can relate to structural (including housing and commercial), automotive and bush/grass fires.
- Post blast investigation of scenes of explosions.
- Investigation of scenes in relation to explosives and explosive devices (i.e., pre-blast).
- Some of the explosion and fire scenes will involve fatalities.
- The laboratory analysis of samples collected from fire scenes, samples collected from explosion scenes and a range of materials associated with fires, explosions, explosives and explosive devices.
- The delivery of training courses relating to post-blast and pre-blast investigations and fire investigations, in both a forensic and policing setting.
- Provision of expert advice in relation to fires, explosions and explosives.

The main focus of this position is to provide technical assistance to laboratory examinations and crime scene investigations. The position also contributes to the Fire & Explosion Unit's operations via the completion of quality, purchasing and other administrative tasks.

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

**_ As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:_**
- Assist with the investigation of crime scenes related to fires and explosions.
- Assist with the laboratory based analysis of casework samples relating to fires and explosions.
- When required, present factual evidence in Courts of Law.
- Undertake the preparation of reagents, standards and reference samples according to documented procedures, and ensure they conform to documented performance criteria.
- Undertake the daily operation of a variety of scientific equipment, ensuring samples are analysed in a timely fashion and in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Be responsible for the regular maintenance and trouble shooting of scientific equipment, including monitoring daily quality performance of equipment within defined parameters.
- Assist with the training and development of other staff in the operation and maintenance of scientific equipment.
- Contribute to the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program. Document performance of scientific instrumentation pursuant to quality assurance criteria.
- Ensure timely provision of required laboratory consumables, which includes reagents, standards, reference samples and minor equipment. Undertake the evaluation and costing of competitive products. Make recommendations of appropriate purchases. Order consumables and maintain records of purchases.
- Assist Management in the maintenance of records including general expenditure, case filing systems and quality and educational information. Input data and prepare reports as necessary from established databases. Assist with other general administrative needs.
- Assist in relevant research and development projects. Conduct tests and, where applicable, provide recommendations on changes to standard methods.
- Perform work both individually and as a member of a team.
- Handle, transport and store explosives and other chemicals.

**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 demonstrate