Forensic Officer

**Victoria Police**

**Forensic Services Department**

**Lab Operations - Analytical Services**

**Botany Unit**

**FO-2 Ongoing Forensic Officer role available.**

**About the Unit**:
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 Botany Unit attends scenes, examines plant material and provides scientific expertise, education and research into botanically related fields in support of the Victoria Police and the judicial system.

**About the Role**

The position provides quality and timely technical and administrative casework support to the Botany Unit, Drug Sciences Group and to other units within the Laboratory Operations - Analytical Services (LOAS) Division as required.

**_ As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:_**
- Under direction and supervision assist with the examination and identification of casework 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.
- Operate and maintain existing systems and processes including technical and scientific equipment.
- Present factual evidence in Courts of Law where required.
- Assist in prioritising tasks 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 Unit 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 position available
- Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod, Victoria
- A relevant tertiary qualification with a Botany major is desirable.
- Experience in the examination and identification of narcotic plants is highly desirable.
- The position will require the incumbent to assist with the maintenance of the Botany Unit narcotic plant reference garden.
- 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.
- Undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening
- The position may require the incumbent to work outside the normal daily hours and attend crime scenes.
- The position may require the incumbent to be exposed to material that is offensive and/or graphic in nature.
- 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 is found in the position Description attached to the job advertisement.

**Applications close midnight, Tuesday 27**th** May 2025.**

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

**About Us**:
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