Forensics Team Member (Firearms & Toolmark Identification)

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 4-6 ($84,458.00 - $118,673.00) within the Forensics Broadband 3-6. This role also attracts an additional 22% composite*. AFP employees will receive a 4% increase to their base salary effective from 9 December 2025

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15505

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and 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 Firearms & Toolmark Identification team provides technical advice for firearms, incl. 3D printed and other privately made firearms (PMFs), firearm parts, ammunition, prohibited weapons, tools (incl. housebreaking implements tools such as crowbars, bolt-cutters, etc.), heat sealers and heat-sealed bags. 

FTI is also responsible for the examination and reconstruction of shooting related crime scenes and post-mortem examinations. FTI further conduct render safe operations of firearms and provide a 24hr on-call service to support AFP operations.

This unique role provides an opportunity to apply your expertise and work within a team of high performing forensic firearm and toolmark examiners to assist in the production of expert reports for the Courts and AFP stakeholders.

You will also complete the National Training Curriculum for Forensic Firearm Examiners and gain expertise under the Australasian Forensic Science Assessment Body (AFSAB).

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?

Forensics team members contribute to the achievement of business, investigation and intelligence outcomes through the provision of specialist forensic examinations and analysis or specialist technical skills. The role may also provide broad technical support including research and development.

The Team Member FTI role will involve a combination of the following:

• Organising, planning and conducting forensic examinations, and analyses (including technical analyses) into crime and serious incidents;
• Providing accurate, timely and impartial forensic evidence to the courts;
• Providing accurate forensic and technical intelligence advice to domestic and international clients;
• Generating, supporting and implementing improvement strategies and change management;
• Maintaining currency in subject matter and training expertise through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process.
• Contribute to a 24-7 On-Call rotational roster
• Actively demonstrate a healthy work/life balance

In addition to the above, the Band 6 position will also:

• Maintain AFSAB certification
• Provide expert level advice to the greater AFP and its stakeholders
• Contribute to the progression, training and mentorship of team members
• Assist with the management and delegation of casework for FTI members.
• Assist the FTI team leader in driving development and growth of the team.
• Actively participate in stakeholder engagements and demonstrate a high level of technical knowledge.

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.
• Contemporary knowledge and experience relevant to the role.
• Tertiary qualifications in relevant field or extensive experience and knowledge in Forensic Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a high performing team.
• Candidates will be required to complete a Psychological assessment to be able to progress through this process.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

Band 4-5

• Experience working in a NATA accredited laboratory, or under an internationally recognised quality system.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to engage with investigators and other stakeholders.
• Experience working in law enforcement
• Experience working with firearms 

Band 6

• 5+ years of professional experience in a forensic firearms examiner role
• Experience in providing courtroom testimony as an Expert witness
• Demonstrated high level of technical knowledge of firearms and forensic ballistics
• AFSAB certification in Forensic Firearms Examination

Additional Information

• National and/or International travel may be required on an ad hoc basis due to operational requirements.
• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra.
• 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.
• The selection advisory committee may request permission to contact your referees.
• Current AFP Forensics members cannot be advanced or promoted through this Recruitment process.

Selection Criteria

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. 

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: Joel Waszczuk,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 7089, ​

Contact Officer Email: joel.waszczuk@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 03/12/2025

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

www.afp.gov.au