Forensic Document Examiner - Document Sciences Team

Job Description

Job Details EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time LOCATION - ACT AFP BAND & SALARY -Broadband 4-6 (Forensics) ($84,458.00 - $118,673.00) JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14100 This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit pool 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 8 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? Applications are sought for the role of Team Member Document Sciences Team – Forensic Document Examiner (Band 4-6) within the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensic Command. One (1) position is currently available, and a pool of successful applicants will be created from this process, which may be accessed to fill Document Sciences vacancies or similar vacancies over the next 12 months. Document Sciences Team Members contribute to investigation and intelligence outcomes through the provision of specialist forensic and technical examinations, and the analysis of physical document evidence including handwriting and signatures, inks and papers, alterations, indentations, security and identity documents and document reconstructions. They work closely with operational teams in providing forensic science services to the AFP, its partners and other law enforcement agencies. Members may be required to deploy nationally and overseas to support key operations, capability development and capacity building activities to service the AFP’s extensive remit. This role would suit applicants with the following attributes or aptitude to acquire them: Strong technical knowledge in Forensic Document Examination; in particular, skills in the forensic examination of handwriting and signatures Technical skills in the operation of specialist document examination equipment An aptitude to work within a team of dynamic and high performing forensic practitioners Experience working in an operational laboratory and an ability to implement sound operational decisions Good communication skills and an ability to engage and negotiate with investigators and other stakeholders What will you do? The core business responsibilities of the Document Sciences Team are: Providing document examinations, technical expertise, operational advice and scene attendance for a range of stakeholders including but not limited to AFP National Operations, ACT Policing, Commonwealth and State agencies and international policing partners. Undertaking document examinations of evidential samples using a range of techniques and equipment such as microscopes, spectral imaging devices, electrostatic detection devices and other specialist instruments. As a Document Sciences Team Member, you will be relied upon to contribute, develop and enhance the performance of the team, and will be responsible for a variety of duties including, but not limited to: Holding, or having the ability to gain, subject matter expertise relevant to the team Examination of evidence and reporting of results in support of investigations by the AFP and their partners Undertaking instrument maintenance, validations, and method development Providing expert evidence in judicial settings Providing advice to internal and external stakeholders Supporting the maintenance of quality systems and processes Essential Requirements All applicants: You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application Possess a Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one Demonstrate excellent communication skills and attention to detail For Band 4-5 applicants: Forensic document examination experience in a working laboratory/employment environment. Possess casework authorisation/s or specialised knowledge, in an area/s of forensic document examination. For Band 6 applicants: Extensive experience and knowledge in area of expertise. Existing expertise / court reporting qualifications in multiple document examination types, particularly handwriting and signature comparison. Experience working with quality systems and an ability to operate in a NATA accredited laboratory. Ability to train and mentor others. An interest in forensic research and innovation. Desirable Requirements The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded at all Band levels: Experience in court reporting and expert evidence delivery in judicial settings. Experience in training and mentoring others in forensic document examination. Experience in conducting forensic research. Additional Information This position is an AFP broadbanded position, meaning applicants have the ability to advance through the broadband to a Band 6, as they progress their training and experience. The successful applicant will be offered a position at the relevant Band level, dependant on their application, experience, and their suitability to the role as assessed against the role requirements and selection criteria. This position has been advertised in multiple locations, however the role is located in Canberra at the Majura Forensics Complex. Successful applicants would be expected to relocate to Canberra, ACT. This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024 – 2027, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role, at any time. Domestic and international travel may be required for this role. Selection Criteria The applicant must specify whether they wish to be considered for the Band 4-5 or Band 6 level and subsequently address the relevant selection criteria. Applicants addressing Band 4-5 criteria will be assessed by the Selection Advisory Committee for their ability to enter the broadband at either of these levels. Applicants addressing the Band 6 criteria will be assessed at the Band 6 level and can also nominate to be assessed at the lower levels in the broadband. Bands 4-5 Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes Communicating and working effectively with other people Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills Band 6 Achieve results Communicates with influence Contributes to strategic thinking Cultivates productive working relationships Shows personal drive and integrity Technical knowledge 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. Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 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 invited to 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 LGBTQI community and people with a disability. Contacts and Closing Information Contact Officer: Rochelle Epple, Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 2644, Contact Officer Email: Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 12/03/2025 To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site . #J-18808-Ljbffr