Forensics Laboratory Technician

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT; NSW; WA

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 3-4 ($75,233 - $103,256) 

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15624

This advertisement is to fill create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 


• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 


• 18 days of paid personal leave per year


• Generous superannuation of 15.4%


• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement


• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 


• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance


• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention


• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

The AFP Forensics Command are world leaders in forensic science and technical intelligence. Our members provide forensics expertise to support federal, state and territory investigations.

AFP Forensics laboratories are located in major cities around Australia, providing infrastructure and equipped with cutting edge technology to undertake multi-discipline forensics examination supporting cross-agency investigations.

Forensics Laboratory Technicians are a valued part of the Forensics Infrastructure and Facilities team, who support the establishment and maintenance of fit for purpose scientific facilities.

The role of the Forensics Laboratory technician is vitally important and requires meticulous attention to detail, integrity, analytical skills and a commitment to compliance with the AFP’s quality framework.

The AFP Forensics culture is welcoming and collaborative, with a strong focus on delivering high quality science to achieve the AFP’s mission of protecting Australians and Australia’s interests.

To align with our laboratory locations, the Forensics Laboratory Technicians are geographically dispersed. A merit pool of suitable candidates will be established through this recruitment and offers made as positions arise. A candidate’s band level will be assessed during the recruitment process based on experience and the possession of essential (required) skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity, where you make a real difference to the outcomes of forensic science.

As a Team Member in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

What will you do?

The Forensics Laboratory Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring consistency across AFP Forensics laboratory maintenance and adherence to quality framework requirements.

In the role, you will perform the following duties:

Band 3 

• Perform scheduled deep cleans including environmental monitoring in accordance with requirements; Maintain the specialist forensic laboratory including equipment calibrations, chemical storage and reagent preparation.


• Contribute to the command response on general equipment and asset maintenance compliance; 


• Maintain various registers including equipment, reference materials and product & supplier (re)evaluations;


• Take a proactive role in safety, quality and environmental policies and procedures to comply with ISO9001, ISO45001, ISO14001, ISO17025 and AS5388 (NATA);


• Monitoring site specific NATA accreditation requirements and adherence to laboratory standard;


• Provide support in the coordination of procurement and consumables ordering, equipment maintenance, upkeep of central store areas, waste management, deliveries and pickup and warehouse inventory management;


• Travel to other regional commands as required to provide logistical support in tasks and operations as directed;


• Provide liaison support including security escorting of contractors, WHS, commercial support and engagement with other internal/external stakeholders;


• Facilitate efficient movement of forensics equipment, in both domestic and international operations; and


• Support the safe and effective dispatch/receipt of freight (including dangerous goods and controlled items). 

Band 4

• Perform scheduled deep cleans including environmental monitoring in accordance with requirements;


• Maintain a variety of specialist forensic laboratories including equipment calibrations, chemical storage/inventory and reagent preparation.


• Assist all discipline command Team Leaders with Quality, NATA and WHS audit activities;


• Contribute to the development, implementation, maintenance, and review of procedures and work instructions for better verification, validation, calibration, value added services and rework activities;


• Maintain oversight of various registers including equipment, reference materials and product & supplier (re)evaluations;


• Provide support to command Team Leaders in the investigation, root cause analysis and proposed corrective actions for Improvement and Correction Action Notices;


• Lead the command response on general equipment and asset maintenance compliance (Crime Scenes and Digital Forensics);


• Maintain and update as requested the appropriate laboratory document control and relevant Standard Operating Procedures and Working Instructions.


• Take a proactive role in safety, quality and environmental policies and procedures to comply with ISO9001, ISO45001, ISO14001, ISO17025 and AS5388 (NATA);


• Provide logistic support and coordination to the command including consumables ordering and procurement, equipment maintenance, upkeep of central store areas, waste management, deliveries and pickup and warehouse inventory management;


• Travel to other regional commands as required to provide training, logistical support in tasks and operations as directed;


• Facilitate efficient movement of forensics equipment within the relevant command, in both domestic and international operations; and


• Provide management and oversight of safe and reliable dispatch/receipt of freight (including dangerous goods and controlled items).

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.


• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.


• Qualification in Science or equivalent work experience;


• Good knowledge of safety, quality and environmental management systems;


• Well-developed communication skills both written and verbal


• Good analytical and interpretive skills

In addition: 

Band 3

• Awareness of handling requirements for dangerous goods/hazardous substances;


• Ability to work productively in a team environment and contribute to a positive work culture

Band 4 

• An understanding of NATA/ISO systems and practices;


• Proficient knowledge of dangerous goods/hazardous substances;


• Operational experience within a laboratory environment;


• Ability to work productively  and autonomously in a team

Additional Information

• These roles are Band 3 and Band 4 positions.


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  When applying you will be asked to nominate the band level that matches your skills/experience, however final determination of the band level you are found suitable for is at the discretion of the panel.

  
  


• This role is located in ACT, NSW and WA, applicants are expected to be based in these states. 


• This advertisement is to create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Selection Criteria

• Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes


• Communicating and working effectively with other people


• Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.


• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. If you wish to be considered for both band levels your pitch should address the work level standards of the highest band.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.


• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.


• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.


• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer:  Nicole Banicevic,

Contact Officer Phone:  0456 902 691, ​

Contact Officer Email:  [email protected]

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 16/02/2026

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au