Forensic Caseworker - Botany Unit

Victoria Police; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria Police’s Botany Unit, part of the Drug Sciences Group, is seeking a Fixed Term Forensic Officer Level 3 (FO-3) to focus on illicit tobacco casework. The role involves examining plant material, providing scientific expertise, and supporting the judicial process with expert opinions.

Based at Macleod, you will manage equipment, supervise technical tasks, and contribute to data reporting while adhering to accreditation standards and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications

• Forensic/technical expertise and ability to present knowledge to a mixed audience, including courts.

Responsibilities

• Undertake routine casework and attend scenes per defined methods.
• Support evidence processing and quality checks; review results and audits.
• Present expert opinion in Courts of Law in an impartial manner.
• Provide specialist advice to key stakeholders and make qualified judgements.
• Coordinate daily scheduling and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Forensic analysis

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Analytical thinking

Autonomous work

Teamwork

Education

Botany major

Job description

Victoria Police

Forensic Services

Lab Operations - Analytical Services

Drug Sciences Group

Botany Unit

Fixed Term Forensic Officer Level 3 (FO-3) role available until 30/06/2027

About the Role

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.

This position will focus on casework functions primarily related to the examination of illicit tobacco.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Undertake timely, quality and routine casework, attend crime scenes and support evidence processing functions using defined methods and procedures as required.
• Take an active role in the quality management practices including the review of routine quality checks, analysis results and audits.
• Present expert opinion evidence in Courts of Law in an impartial and concise manner.
• Make qualified judgements in the provision of specialist advice to key stakeholders.
• Coordinate the daily scheduling, performance, maintenance and troubleshooting of a range of scientific equipment.
• Assist with the supervision and coordination of routine scientific/technical functions which may include leading a small team carrying out such activities.
• Assist with the production of business management reports including data collection, data validation and generation of relevant statistics and reports.
• Provide scientific/technical advice regarding standard procedures to less experienced members.
• Maintain appropriate knowledge and adhere to Victoria Police policies, procedures, legislation and laboratory accreditation requirements.

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 until 30/06/2028.
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is mandatory, preferably with a major in Botany.
• 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 and attend crime scenes.
• 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.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 11th October 2026.

For further information on this role contact: Kylie Slattery via email [e-mail]

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