Forensic Caseworker - Botany Unit

Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Lab Operations - Analytical Services

Botany Unit

FO-3 Ongoing Forensic Caseworker role available.

About the Unit:

The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department is an accredited laboratory that provides a professional forensic service to Victoria Police, persons involved with the administration of justice and the public.

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.

About the Role

As a Forensic Caseworker, examine, sample and conduct identification on botanical casework and report the findings to the Victorian Courts.

As the successful applicant, some of your duties will 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 and assist in relevant internal and external training activities including the presentation of lectures/demonstrations/tours.
• Assist in relevant research and development projects, which improve and expand Group methodology as part of the Department's standing as an internationally recognised `centre of excellence'.
• Maintain appropriate knowledge and adhere to Victoria Police policies, procedures, legislation and laboratory accreditation requirements.

Skills & Experience

As the successful applicant, you will have:

• 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:

• Ongoing position available
• Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod, Victoria
• Possess at least an appropriate degree and/or relevant tertiary qualification
• The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved Driving Authority.
• Undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only).
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

How to apply

Your application must include:

• Resume
• Responses to the Selection Criteria - The Selection Criteria is found in the position Description attached to the job advertisement.

Please Note: Applications will not be accepted via email.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 24th August 2025.

For further information on this role contact: Lisa Hendry on 03 9450 3331 or via email lisa.hendry@police.vic.gov.au

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 FORENSIC-RECRUIT-ESTAB-MGR@POLICE.VIC.GOV.AU

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