Forensic Officer- Hazardous Materials

Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Field Operations & Information Services Division

Forensic Evidence Management Group

Hazardous Materials Management Unit

Ongoing FO-3 Forensic Officer (FO-3) role available

The functions of the Hazardous Materials Management Unit include vetting & triage, storage, handling, advice, and the destruction/disposal of Hazardous Materials – including chemicals, drugs, and cannabis.

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

Your duties will include

• Supervise and ensure proper guidance and accountability for the vetting and triage aspects of Hazardous Materials management for the Forensic Services Department, including the destruction of drugs, chemicals, and cannabis.
• Take an active role in the quality management practices including the review of routine quality checks, analysis results and audits.
• Make qualified judgements in the provision of specialist advice to key stakeholders.
• Coordinate the daily scheduling for the receipt, storage, handling and eventual destruction or disposal of Hazardous Materials under the direction of the Unit Leader.
• 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 Departments standing as a national and internationally recognised ‘centre of excellence'.
• Maintain appropriate knowledge and adhere to Victoria Police policies, procedures, legislation, and laboratory accreditation requirements.

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 FO-3 role available
• Position will be located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod 3085
• An approved degree in Chemistry or an equivalent qualification and relevant experience is highly desirable.
• The incumbent must possess a Victorian Drivers Licence and the ability to obtain a Victoria Police Approved Driving Authority.
• 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.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only)

Your application must include:

• Resume, and
• Responses to the individual Selection Criteria, found in the position description attached to this advertisement.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 18th February 2024

Please Note: All applications will need to be submitted through one of the following platforms: the Victorian Government careers website (Careers.vic), Job Skills Exchange (JSE) website.

Applications will not be accepted via other platforms or email.

Current Victorian Government employees must apply via Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE).

For further information on this role please contact: Dale Garlepp on 9450-3491 or via email  ************@police.vic.gov.au

If you have a disability / medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation If you have a disability/medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact VPS Recruitment via email ***************@police.vic.gov.au or on (03) 9450-9***.

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. 

Having a workforce that reflects the community we serve is important to Victoria Police. We want to attract and retain people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps