Forensic Officer - Botany Unit

State Government of Victoria, Australia; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria Police is seeking a Fixed Term Forensic Officer Level 2 in the Botany Unit to support examination of botanically related casework and provide technical and administrative support across the Drug Sciences Group. The role involves handling illicit tobacco work as needed and presenting evidence in court when required.

Based in Macleod, the successful candidate will work with experienced scientists, maintain records, operate instrumentation, and contribute to quality controls within the

Qualifications

• Botany major qualification is desirable.
• Must hold a Victorian Driver's Licence and VPADA eligibility.
• Role may require work outside normal hours and at crime scenes.
• DNA sample may be collected for quality control procedures.
• Pre-employment checks may include fingerprint checks.
• Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or hold a valid work visa.

Responsibilities

• Assist with examination of casework using defined methods and procedures.
• Attend secondary locations to recover exhibits and samples.
• Present factual evidence in Courts of Law when required.
• Perform quality controls and keep necessary records.
• Operate and maintain scientific equipment and systems.
• Prioritize tasks to meet targets.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders to provide information.
• Provide administrative support, respond to inquiries, maintain records, and compile reports.

Skills

Scientific examinations

Instrument maintenance

Record keeping

Oral & written communication

Autonomous / team work

Report writing

Customer service

Ethics & integrity

Education

Botany degree (desirable)

Tools

Laboratory equipment

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

Drug Sciences Group

Botany Unit

Fixed Term Forensic Officer Level 2 (FO-2) role available until 30.06.2028

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.

The Unit also provides technical support to the Chemical Drug Intelligence, Clandestine Laboratory and Drug Analysis Units.

This position will support casework functions related to the examination and identification of illicit tobacco within the Botany Unit. The role may also deliver high-quality, timely technical and administrative casework support to other units within the Drug Sciences Group, as well as to other areas of the LOAS Division including illicit tobacco related work, as needed.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Under direction and supervision assist with the examination of casework using defined methods and procedures.
• Attend and assist at secondary locations under direction and supervision to recover exhibits and samples where required.
• Present factual evidence in Courts of Law where required.
• Conduct quality controls within the work area, including keeping records where necessary.
• Operate and maintain existing systems and processes including technical and scientific equipment.
• Assist in prioritising tasks in order to achieve specified targets.
• Solve routine problems using readily available information.
• Regularly interact with a range of internal and external stakeholders to provide information.
• Provide general administrative assistance, respond to customer enquiries, maintain records and compile reports.

Skills & Experience

• Ability to undertake scientific/technical examinations following established procedures.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of relevant scientific instrumentation.
• Proven administrative skills including the maintenance of detailed and accurate records.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on the ability to impart specialist knowledge and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously and/or in a team environment and to manage workloads in order to meet defined/agreed targets and deadlines.
• Prepare reports and provide results on technical matters relevant to own work area.
• 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-2 position available until 30.06.2028
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod.
• A relevant tertiary qualification with a Botany major is desirable.
• 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.

We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to support an inclusive recruitment experience.

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

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