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.
Victoria Police
Forensic Services Department
Lab Operations – Analytical Services
Chemical & Physical Sciences Group
Fire & Explosion Unit
Forensic Officer (FO-2) – On-going position available.
Applications close midnight, Tuesday 5th August 2025.
About the Unit:
The primary function of the Fire & Explosion Unit is to investigate suspicious fires & explosions and perform laboratory examinations of items associated with fires & explosions/explosives.
The Fire & Explosion Unit provides a range of services which include:
- Attendance at the scenes of suspicious fires throughout all of Victoria and the investigation of the cause and origin of the fires.
- The investigation of fires can relate to structural (including housing and commercial), automotive and bush/grass fires.
- Post blast investigation of scenes of explosions.
- Investigation of scenes in relation to explosives and explosive devices (i.e. pre-blast).
- Some of the explosion and fire scenes will involve fatalities.
- The laboratory analysis of samples collected from fire scenes, samples collected from explosion scenes and a range of materials associated with fires, explosions, explosives and explosive devices.
- The delivery of training courses relating to post-blast and pre-blast investigations and fire investigations, in both a forensic and policing setting.
- Provision of expert advice in relation to fires, explosions and explosives.
About the role:
A main focus of this position is to provide technical assistance to laboratory examinations and crime scene investigations. The position also contributes to the Fire & Explosion Unit's operations via the completion of quality, purchasing and other administrative tasks.
As the successful applicant, some of your duties will include:
- Assist with the investigation of crime scenes related to fires and explosions.
- Assist with the laboratory based analysis of casework samples relating to fires and explosions.
- When required, present factual evidence in Courts of Law.
- Undertake the preparation of reagents, standards and reference samples according to documented procedures, and ensure they conform to documented performance criteria.
- Undertake the daily operation of a variety of scientific equipment, ensuring samples are analysed in a timely fashion and in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Be responsible for the regular maintenance and trouble shooting of scientific equipment, including monitoring daily quality performance of equipment within defined parameters.
- Assist with the training and development of other staff in the operation and maintenance of scientific equipment.
- Contribute to the laboratory quality assurance and accreditation program. Document performance of scientific instrumentation pursuant to quality assurance criteria.
- Ensure timely provision of required laboratory consumables, which includes reagents, standards, reference samples and minor equipment. Undertake the evaluation and costing of competitive products. Make recommendations of appropriate purchases. Order consumables and maintain records of purchases.
- Assist Management in the maintenance of records including general expenditure, case filing systems and quality and educational information. Input data and prepare reports as necessary from established databases. Assist with other general administrative needs.
- Assist in relevant research and development projects. Conduct tests and, where applicable, provide recommendations on changes to standard methods.
- Perform w
ork both individually and as a member of a team.
- Handle, transport and store explosives and other chemicals.
Skills & Experience
As the successful applicant, you will have:
- 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 role available.
- Position is located at 31 Forensic Drive Macleod, Victoria.
- A degree or post graduate degree in Science or Applied Science with a major in Chemistry is desirable.
- The successful candidate will be rostered for on-call work.
- The successful candidate will be required to work outside of normal office hours, including both mid-week and weekends.
- The successful candidate will be required to work as part of a collaborative team.
- The successful candidate may be exposed to confronting evidence or images that relate to serious offences such as arson and homicides, and fatalities involving fire which involve working in close proximity to deceased persons.
- 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)
How to apply
Your application must include:
- Resume,
- Responses to the individual Selection Criteria, found in the position description attached to the advertisement on Careers.vic.gov.au . Please note responses to each KSC should be no longer than 350 words.
Applications close midnight, Tuesday 5th August 2025.
Applications will not be accepted via email.
For further information on this role contact: Rachel Noble on 03 9450-3468 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