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 Department
Fingerprint Sciences Group (FSG)
Fingerprint Subject Matter Specialist
Ongoing FO-5 position available.
About the role:
Units within the Fingerprint Sciences Group (FSG) comprise VPS staff, Forensic Officers and Police members undertaking activities associated with the provision of a fingerprint service to the State of Victoria. This includes scene and laboratory-based recovery of fingerprints, comparison of unknown and known fingerprints and management of known fingerprints in accordance with Section 464 of the Victorian Crimes Act 1958.
Position Purpose:
As a Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), maintain a contemporary knowledge of scientific/technical best practice and lead initiatives that strengthen the science underpinning new and existing investigative capabilities within FSG.
As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:
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Manage project activities including the allocation of personnel and resources in consultation with the relevant Unit Leaders, modelling high level leadership attributes in the workplace through coaching, mentoring, guidance and performance feedback.
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Provide specialist advice and leadership in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives across FSG, including preparation of project documentation, policies, procedures and training.
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Provide high level scientific/technical and professional service, including advice, leadership and guidance across FSG as required.
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Undertake casework and present expert opinion evidence in Courts of law relating to complex, high profile or sensitive work in an impartial and concise manner.
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Ensure scientific/technical best practice is achieved and maintained across FSG.
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Ensure validation/verification work is undertaken in accordance with contemporary best practice.
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Ensure accreditation and quality requirements are achieved and maintained across FSG.
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Manage the relationships with external stakeholders that engage in fingerprint research.
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Support the Group Manager in the ongoing management of staff, including coaching, mentoring, guidance, and performance feedback as required.
Skills & Experience
As the successful applicant, you will have:
- A significant track record of forensic scientific/technical achievement. With a proven commitment to quality in casework and/or research where appropriate
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Demonstrated ability to provide expert advice to scientific/technical and non-scientific personnel at all levels including providing opinion evidence in court.
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Ability to manage and prioritise casework and meet deadlines within defined/agreed outputs/targets and/or to co-ordinate a team and meet team objectives.
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Diverse and specialist subject knowledge with an emphasis on forensic science and a proven ability to work autonomously and interpret examinations.
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Ability to conduct scene examinations where little or no supervisory advice is available.
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Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
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Proven ability to monitor client and stakeholder satisfaction and constructively manage stakeholder issues to ensure positive outcomes for the stakeholder and the Region/Department/Command.
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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:
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Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod, Victoria
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Ongoing FO-5 level role available.
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A relevant approved degree or equivalent experience is required.
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A releva nt post-graduate qualification would be desirable.
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Certification in the discipline of Fingerprints by the Australasian Forensic Science Assessment Body (AFSAB) would be desirable.
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A scientific publication history, and/or experience working collaboratively with external stakeholders to deliver research or project outcomes would be desirable.
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Provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only)
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Undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
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Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
How to apply
Your application must include:
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Resume,
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Responses to the Selection Criteria – The Selection Criteria is found in the Position Description, attached to the job advertisement on Careers.vic.gov.au.
Applications close 11:59pm, Thursday 23rd July 2026.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
For further information on this role contact: Tracie Gould on 03 9450-3452 or via email [email protected]
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
[email protected]
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.”
Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and support flexible working arrangements.
Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps
