Principal Forensic Examiner – Fingerprint Expert

at  NT Police Force

Job description
Agency NT Police Force Work unit Forensic Science
Job title Principal Forensic Examiner – Fingerprint Expert Designation Professional 3
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $110,873 - $124,173 Location Darwin
Position number 47497 RTF 315137 Closing 10/02/2025
Contact officer Pauline Setter, Team Leader NT Fingerprint Unit on 08 8922 1304 or pauline.setter@pfes.nt.gov.au
About the agency https://pfes.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=315137

QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with disability
by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss this with the contact
officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the OCPE
website.
Primary objective
The primary role of this position is to identify and examine fingerprint evidence and provide expert opinion evidence regarding these examinations
to investigators and the Judiciary.
Context Statement
The Fingerprint Unit sits within the Forensic Science Branch and is responsible for the provision of Fingerprint expertise to support investigations
and provide opinion evidence to the Judiciary.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Attend, assess, preserve, record, collect, process, and interpret fingerprint evidence from both crime/incident scenes and exhibits to support
police investigations throughout the NT, including the identifications of deceased persons as required.
2. Preparation of expert reports and presentation of forensic evidence and expert opinion evidence in criminal proceedings, coronial inquests
and other judicial inquiries.
3. Work collaboratively with other Forensic Science disciplines within an integrated facility to deliver quality technical forensic evidence.
4. Assist in the research, review and development of operating procedures, practices and technology to improve the capabilities within Forensic
Science Branch to NATA standards.
5. Maintain accurate case records via electronic and manual systems in accordance with NATA standards.
6. Comply with training requirements and maintain knowledge of relevant principles, procedures, legislation and accreditation and undertake
proficiency testing programmes to maintain expertise.
7. Provide mentoring and training for Fingerprint Technicians at all levels.
8. Delivering quality examinations within required timeframes, given competing demands and priorities and the high volume of work, whilst
working independently within a small office unit.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Australian Forensic Science Assessment Body (AFSAB) or equivalent recognised fingerprint expertise.
2. Tertiary qualification (degree or higher) in science or in a field relevant to Forensic Investigation.
3. Relevant practical forensic experience including the recovery of fingerprint evidence from crime/incident scenes and exhibits and the
preparation and presentation of expert forensic evidence.
4. Knowledge/demonstrated competency in the NAFIS system or similar AFIS operating system.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage own case load and produce case files with high level of attention to detail.
6. Willingness and capability to work weekends and extended hours, including responding to callouts and travelling through the Northern
Territory as required.
7. Physical ability and fitness to perform the requirements of the position, including performing scene examinations in challenging environments.
8. Sound knowledge of the principles of Equity and Diversity and Work Health and Safety.
Desirable
1. Certificate IV Training and Assessment or similar qualification.
2. Experience in developing and implementing new processes.
3. Experience in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).
Further information
The successful applicant must consent to a check by Police of criminal records and intelligence data to confirm they have no significant criminal
history record and provide a DNA sample for inclusion on Forensic Science Branch database for elimination purposes. The work of the Fingerprint
Unit can be confronting and includes attendance at crime scenes and handling of deceased persons. The psychological wellbeing of all members
of the FPU is a priority and as such, members are subject to bi-annual Well Checks and may be required to complete psychometric testing. The
successful applicant must hold a suitable current driver’s licence. This position is subject to the conditions of the Northern Territory Public Sector
2021-2025 Enterprise Agreement. Information on the Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Service can be found on our website at
http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Police.aspx

Please refer the Job description for details