Victoria Police - Forensic Services
Lab Operations - Analytical Services Division (LOAS)
Ongoing Forensic Officer Level 2 (FO-2) role available
About the Role
The LOAS Division comprises of: Audio Visual Unit, Botany Unit, Chemical Trace Unit, Clandestine Laboratory Unit, Document Examination Unit, Drug Analysis Unit, Drug Information and Analytical Support Unit, Fire and Explosion Unit, and Vehicle Examination Unit.
The position will initially be assigned to the Fire and Explosion Unit for a period of two years. The Fire and Explosion Unit is a specialist forensic unit responsible for attending and examining fire and explosion scenes and conducting scientific investigations and evidentiary analyses to identify the origin, cause and contributing factors of fire and explosion incidents.
Following this period, the successful candidate will undertake rotations to other units within LOAS in response to evolving operational priorities, business needs and organisational requirements.,
Primary Function:
To provide quality and timely technical and administrative casework support to units within the LOAS Division in both laboratory settings and in field, including crime scenes. To contribute to the LOAS Division's multi-capable workforce model whereby FO2 staff are trained to become a flexible and agile workforce that can be deployed across the division to meet emerging operational priorities and provide short-term surge capacity when required.
Key Accountabilities include:
- Conduct initial examination of exhibits, analysis of samples and operation of scientific / technical equipment under direction and supervision using defined methods and procedures.
- Attend and assist at secondary locations, including crime scenes, under direction and supervision to recover exhibits and samples where required.
- Maintain continuity of exhibits using the laboratory information management system
- Conduct quality control checks within the work area, including keeping records where necessary.
- Contribute to the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program. Document performance of scientific instrumentation pursuant to quality assurance criteria.
- Present factual evidence in Courts of Law where required.
- 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, including, but not limited to, responding to customer enquiries, procurement, maintain records (electronic and hard copy), compiling reports and ordering/maintaining stocks of laboratory consumables.
- Perform work individually and as a member of a team.
- As part of a team assist in relevant research and development projects to improve and expand methodology and capability.
- Assist with the presentation of lectures/demonstrations/tours.
- Maintain appropriate knowledge and adhere to Victoria Police policies, procedures, legislation, and laboratory accreditation requirements.
- Handle, transport and store explosives and other chemicals.
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:
- Ongoing FO-2 position available.
- A relevant tertiary qualification with a major in Chemistry is desirable.
- In addition to the requirement to attend work at The Forensic Services Centre in Macleod, the position may require the incumbent to attend work at Victoria Police Centre, 311 Spencer Street, Melbourne.
- 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, attend secondary locations and attend crime scenes.
- The position may require the incumbent to be exposed to material that is offensive and/or graphic in nature
- Where relevant, the successful candidate will be required to undergo medical/health monitoring and surveillance in accordance with VPFSD policy.
- Where relevant, the position will require the incumbent to undergo National Security Vetting and achieve and maintain a security classification rated as Secret (Negative Vetting Level 1). To achieve this, you must be an Australian Citizen
- Where relevant, the successful candidate will be required to obtain appropriate explosives and related licences and to handle, transport and store explosives.
- 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.
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 on Careers.vic.gov.au.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
Applications close 11:59pm, Tuesday 1st September August 2026.
For further information on this role contact: Rachel Noble via email [email protected] or call 03 9450-3468.
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]
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
