Caseworker - Chemical Trace Unit (FrO3)

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

Chemical Trace Unit

1 x Fixed Term FO-3 role available until 04/08/2024

About the role:

The Chemical Trace Unit (CTU) provides the following services:

Laboratory examinations of a range of trace evidence types ( gunshot residue (GSR), paints, plastics, glass, chemical irritants, and miscellaneous substances) in support of criminal investigations and court processes. A 24/7 crime scene service in relation to the recovery of GSR evidence from crime scenes, living and deceased persons. Provision of expert advice to police and other stakeholders in relation to chemical trace evidence.

Provision of expert evidence in the form of written reports and expert testimony in courts of law. Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and support flexible working arrangements.

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

Conduct routine and non-routine casework in relation to chemical trace evidence types. Attend crime scenes and collect trace evidence as required. Prepare expert reports for the courts, police investigators and other stakeholders. Present expert evidence in court. Provide specialist advice in relation to trace evidence types to various stakeholders. Perform work both individually and as a member of a team. Support the training and supervision of other scientific and paraprofessional staff as required. Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation. Support the provision of training, demonstrations and other presentations both internally and externally. Contribute to the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program. Identify opportunities for business improvements and contribute to the maintenance of quality documentation and processes. Support research and development projects as required.

Skills & Experience

As the successful applicant, you will have:

Scientific/technical achievement, ability to interpret examinations and to successfully present technical and discipline related knowledge and advice to scientific/technical and non-scientific personnel at all levels, particularly in a Court context. Proven commitment to quality in casework and/or research or the ability to provide it. Well-developed specialist subject knowledge with an emphasis on forensic science. Proven ability to work autonomously and/or within a team environment. Ability to conduct scene examinations where little or no supervisory advice is available. Demonstrated Conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills. 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, Financial Code of Practice, and the Organisational Values

Requirements and relevant information:

Position is located at 31 Forensic drive Macleod, Victoria One FO-3 Fixed Term position available A degree or post graduate degree in science is mandatory, preferably with a major in Chemistry. The successful candidate may be rostered to perform on-call work outside of normal office hours, including both mid-week and weekends. The successful candidate may be exposed to confronting crime scenes, evidence, living and deceased persons, relating to serious offences such as armed robberies and homicides. The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence (or the ability to obtain one) and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved Drivers Authority. The successful incumbent will be required to pass a security clearance which will include fingerprinting, a National Police check and an ASIO check. The successful candidate will be required to provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only). The successful candidate will be required to 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.

How to apply

Your application must include:

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

Current Victorian Government employees must apply via Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE).

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 30th August 2023 - No applications will be accepted via email .

If you have a disability/medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact VPS Recruitment via email

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. 

Having a workforce that reflects the community we serve is important to Victoria Police. We want to attract and retain people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police:

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