Forensic Officer - Botany Unit

Careers; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria Police is seeking a Fixed Term Forensic Officer Level 2 for the Botany Unit within the Drug Sciences Group. The Botany Unit assists at scenes, examines plant material and provides scientific expertise to support the judiciary.

The role involves casework examination, maintaining records, presenting evidence in court when required, and collaborating with other units. The position requires a Botany major, a Victorian Driver's Licence, and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved

Qualifications

• Assist with examination of casework using defined methods and procedures.
• Operate and maintain relevant scientific instrumentation and equipment.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records for quality controls.
• Present information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work autonomously or in a team to meet targets and deadlines.
• Prepare reports on technical matters within the Botany Unit.

Responsibilities

• Attend and assist at secondary locations to recover exhibits and samples.
• Conduct examinations and provide results on botanical materials.
• Interact with stakeholders and respond to inquiries with accuracy.
• Contribute to court proceedings by presenting factual evidence when required.

Skills

Scientific examinations

Instrumentation maintenance

Record keeping

Communication skills

Autonomous work

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

Botany major

Tertiary qualification

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Victoria PoliceForensic ServicesLab Operations - Analytical ServicesDrug Sciences GroupBotany UnitFixed Term Forensic Officer Level 2 (FO-2) role available until 30.06.2028About the RoleThe 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 & ExperienceAbility 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 30.06.2028Position 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.How to applyYour application must include:ResumeCompleted application form - attached to the job advertisement on Careers.vic.gov.au. You must respond to the questions in the application form and attach same for your submission to be complete.Applications will not be accepted via email.Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 11th October 2026For further information on this role contact: Kylie Slattery via email [e-mail] 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] 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