Forensic Caseworker

Victoria Police; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria Police – Forensic Services Lab Operations is seeking an Analytical Services Division Vehicle Examination Unit Ongoing Forensic Officer Level 3 (FO-3) to identify stolen and re-birthed vehicles using advanced forensic techniques and restore altered vehicle identifiers.

You will perform vehicle examinations at laboratories or at scenes, provide expert reports for courts and investigators, and present evidence clearly in court.

Qualifications

• A mechanics or panel beaters qualification is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of hybrid and/or electrical vehicle systems is desirable.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in maintaining effective working relationships at all levels of the organisation, and with external customers and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of following established methods and procedures and performing quality control activities within complex environments.
• Well-developed written communications skills and an ability to produced accurate, concise, and objective reports based on examination findings.

Responsibilities

• Establish the identity of stolen and re-birthed vehicles using specialist forensic techniques and examine/restore altered vehicle identifiers.
• Perform vehicle examinations at Forensic Services facilities or at operational scenes.
• Prepare expert reports for courts, police investigators and external stakeholders.
• Present expert opinion evidence clearly and effectively in Courts of Law.
• Attend crime scenes to provide specialist expertise and conduct in-field vehicle examinations as required.
• Provide technical advice to police members and forensic staff regarding VEU capabilities and contribute to training programs.

Skills

Vehicle forensics

Hybrid/EV systems

Communication skills

Quality control

Technical reporting

Job description

Victoria Police - Forensic Services Lab Operations – Analytical Services Division Vehicle Examination Unit Ongoing Forensic Officer Level 3 (FO-3) role available

About the Role

Primary Function:

• Establish the identity of stolen and re-birthed vehicles using specialist forensic techniques, including the examination and restoration of altered or obliterated vehicle identifiers.
• Perform vehicle examinations at Forensic services, other Victoria Police facilities or at operational scenes.

Additional Services:

• Vehicle searches involving the removal of vehicle trims and components to assist in the detection of for items of interest (e.g., illicit drugs, weapons, and currency)
• Provide specialist advice and opinion regarding the operation, functionality of vehicle systems, or components.
• Provide technical advice and support during the planning and execution of search warrants.
• Provide technical expertise on vehicle locking mechanisms to detect and evaluate forced, bypassed, or unauthorised entry.
• Examine scene debris for vehicle components to assist investigators in identifying the make, model, or type of vehicle involved.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Conduct forensic casework and specialist examinations on vehicles in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Prepare expert reports for courts, police investigators, and external stakeholders.
• Present expert opinion evidence clearly and effectively in Courts of Law.
• Attend crime scenes to provide specialist expertise and conduct in-field vehicle examinations as required.
• Provide technical advice to police members and forensic staff regarding VEU capabilities and contribute to internal and external training programs and lectures.
• Assist with the operational management and coordination of the VEU, including case vetting, prioritisation, maintenance of databases and quality control processes.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities and assist with the review of relevant technical documentation.
• Participate in quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing, crime scene and expert testimony monitoring.
• Deliver specialist forensic advice to partner agencies and organisations regarding vehicle-related evidence.
• Contribute to research and innovation projects to advance vehicle examination methodologies.
• Utilise specialised IT systems, including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), LEAP, NVOI, and standard business software, to record and manage casework.

Skills & Experience

• A mechanics or panel beaters qualification is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of hybrid and/or electrical vehicle systems is desirable, but not essential.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in maintaining effective working relationships at all levels of the organisation, and with external customers and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of following established methods and procedures and performing quality control activities within complex environments.
• Well-developed written communications skills and an ability to produced accurate, concise, and objective reports based on examination findings.

Requirements and relevant information:

• Ongoing FO-3 position available.
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod.
• 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.
• 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 work outside the normal daily hours, attend secondary locations and attend crime scenes.

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 16th August 2026.

For further information on this role contact: Paul Payne via email [e-mail] or call 03 9450-3148.

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 [e-mail].

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

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.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps