Description:
Victoria Police
Forensic Services Department
Lab Operations – Analytical Services
Chemical & Physical Sciences Group
Fire & Explosion Unit
Forensic Caseworker (FO-3) – On-going position available.
About the Unit:
The Fire and Explosion Unit attends and examines fire and explosion scenes, and conducts 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.
About the role:
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
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:
- 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 and the Organisational Values.
Requirements and relevant information:
- Ongoing role available.
- Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod, Victoria
- A degree or post graduate degree in Science or Applied Science with a major in Chemistry is required.
- The successful candidate will 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 evidence or images that relate to serious offences such as arson and homicides, and fatalities involving fire which involve working in close proximity to deceased persons.
- 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 security clearance must be obtained 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 incumbent will be required to work outside the normal daily hours and attend secondary locations.
How to apply
Your application must include:
- Resume,
- Responses to the individual Selection Criteria, found in the position description attached to this advertisement. Please note responses to each selection criteria should be no longer than 350 words.
Applications close midnight, Tuesday 27 th May 2025.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
For further information on this role contact: John Kelleher on 03 9450-3695 or via email john.kelleher@police.vic.gov.au
We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience. If you require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirement/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team via email FORENSIC-RECRUIT-ESTAB-MGR@POLICE.VIC.GOV.AU
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.
Victoria Police is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and inclusive of all our people. We empower and expect our people, at all levels, to develop interpersonal connections and collaborate, use sound judgement, and create and innovate.
In alignment with the principle of self-determination, Victoria Police is dedicated to enhancing our collaboration with the Aboriginal community in Victoria as we build a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. We continue to engage and build relationships with local Aboriginal communities and work closely with them to enhance opportunities and services aimed at empowerment, equality, and equal participation across all areas of the organisation.
We value the diversity and differences of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experience. We celebrate these diverse experiences and perspectives as each person brings an informed and contemporary approach to our work which enhances the wellbeing of all. We aim to provide a safe place that is reflective of the community it serves, allowing everyone to bring their whole selves to work.”
Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and support flexible working arrangements.
Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps