Forensic Caseworker

State Government of Victoria, Australia; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 98,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria Police, Forensic Services—Lab Operations, Chemical Trace Unit, seeks a fixed term Forensic Caseworker level 3. You will conduct laboratory examinations of trace evidence, including illicit tobacco and organised crime-related cases, and may attend crime scenes to recover evidence.

The role requires a science degree with chemistry emphasis and the ability to work in a 24/7 environment. The position is based at 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod, with on-call duties outside standard hours.

Qualifications

• Science degree required, preferably with chemistry emphasis.
• Ability to interpret examinations and present findings clearly in court.

Responsibilities

• Undertake routine and non-routine casework in chemical trace evidence.
• Prepare samples for instrumental analysis and court reports.
• Assist at crime scenes for trace evidence collection and documentation.
• Present evidence in court and contribute to quality assurance processes.

Skills

Forensic science

Analytical thinking

Courtroom communication

Autonomous work

Education

Science degree

Chemistry major (preferred)

Tools

GC-MS instrumentation

Spectroscopy

Job description

The Victoria Police Forensic Services 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

Lab Operations – Analytical Services Division

Chemical Trace Unit (CTU)

Fixed term Forensic Caseworker level 3 (FO-3) role available to 30.06.2028

About the Role:

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

• Laboratory examinations of a range of trace evidence types (e.g. gunshot residue (GSR), paints, plastics, fibres, 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.

This position will undertake routine casework, with a focus on evidence recovery of a range of trace evidence types, in particular, illicit tobacco and/or organised crime related offences. The incumbent may be required to attend crime scenes for the purpose of recovering trace evidence (e.g. gunshot residue), during and outside of office hours.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Undertake and complete required training programmes.
• Conduct routine and non-routine examinations and recovery of evidence for casework in relation to chemical trace evidence types.
• Prepare recovered trace samples for instrumental analysis
• Assist senior caseworkers at crime scenes and collect trace evidence if required.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for the courts, police investigators and other stakeholders.
• Present evidence in court if required.
• Perform work both individually and as a member of a team.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Contribute to the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program.

Skills & Experience

• 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:

• Fixed Term FO-3 position available to 30.06.2028
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod.
• Salary Range $98,495 to $108,745
• 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 sexual assaults 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 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.

For further information on this role contact: [e-mail] 03 9450-9814 or [e-mail] 039450-9811 (after 03/10/26)

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