Executive Manager – Court Reporting

Department of Justice

Applications close 22nd June 2026

About Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ)

Forensic Science Queensland (FSQ) operates specialised Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry functions that support the criminal justice and coronial systems in Queensland.

Forensic Chemistry provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of (i) illicit drug analysis, which involves the analysis of both known and emerging novel drugs, (ii) clandestine drug laboratory investigation, which involves both attendance at crime scenes, and analysis of exhibits to provide expert opinion to the courts, and (iii) trace evidence examinations, which cover oil spill investigations, lubricant analysis, explosives, and fibres, which are often associated with serious crimes such as sexual assault and murder. Our chemists provide expert impartial scientific advice though the provision of formal statements and evidence in court.

Forensic Biology provides analytical and advisory services principally to the Queensland Police Service in the areas of evidence recovery, DNA analysis and result interpretation culminating in expert advice and evidence. In general, the Evidence Recovery team conducts examinations of exhibits, biological material screening and recovery of samples for further testing, the Analytical Team conducts DNA analysis, including interpretation of samples submitted, and the Reporting Team conducts DNA interpretation, statistical interpretation and the development of statements for court, including giving evidence in court.

The Case Review Team has been established to coordinate and triage the review of certain categories of DNA samples to determine whether further testing could provide valuable evidence to Queensland’s criminal justice system.

Our work at FSQ involves exposure to material related to deaths and criminal offences that may be confronting, due to its graphic and personal nature. Sensitive and professional management of exhibits and information is a critical requirement of this role. The successful candidate will have personal qualities that include well developed resilience, tact and effective strategies for managing themselves and their ability to support colleagues in situations that may be distressing and stressful.

About the role

Provide scientific leadership and management in Forensic Biology, including the implementation of strategic and operational planning, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting systems. Provide leadership toward FSQ’s vision of becoming a world-class leader in the delivery of quality, timely and innovative forensic services, that ultimately supports the integrity of the Queensland justice system.

The Executive Manager of Court Reporting plays an important part in building a strong and capable workforce, fostering a positive culture that promotes excellence and quality; they empower staff across the Forensic Biology teams.

Key responsibilities of the role

Operationally manage The Court Reporting Team ensuring that case flow and scientific analyses and casework occurs in an efficient and timely manner, meeting stakeholder expectations and organisational objectives.
Ensure that allocated resources are managed effectively in accordance with approved business and strategic plans.
Professionally and effectively lead and manage the allocated Forensic Biology function/s to develop a positive organisational culture and create a safe and innovative environment for staff through facilitating staff development, performance appraisal and other human resource management measures.
Contribute to the scientific robustness, effective management, professional policy development and strategic direction of the Forensic Biology unit.
Ensure that the Forensic Biology unit meets all relevant legislative, administrative, and professional standards to meet NATA/ISO accreditation/certification requirements and to manage the quality of scientific practice within a multi-speciality team.
Regularly review and improve forensic biology/DNA professional work policies, practices and procedures in accordance with NATA accreditation, international standards of best practice and legislative requirements.
Collaborate with other scientific managers and teams to ensure the role and operations of Forensic Biology are strategically integrated with those of FSQ to achieve its service delivery goals and to lead the development of service improvement initiatives to ensure the provision of quality scientific services to clients and stakeholders.
Facilitate close collaborative partnerships with state-wide clients and stakeholders to ensure an effective delivery of client-focused scientific services.
Contribute to strategic planning and management of the Forensic Biology unit, including forecasting of space, staff and equipment needs in the future as the service develops to meet the needs of the justice system and monitor the implementation of initiatives to ensure achievement of FSQ objectives.
Apply expertise within the discipline of forensic biology to solve large-scale and complex scientific service or work-flow problems.
Represent the Forensic Biology unit on relevant internal and external committees and forums, and pass on knowledge gleaned from these committees or forums to support the development of the scientific knowledge and expertise of FSQ staff.
Contribute to the broader strategic direction of FSQ.
Adhere to defined service quality standards, health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken to ensure high quality, safe services and workplaces.

How To Apply

Your current CV or resume, including two referees Applicants are encouraged to review the Role Description and the links providing further information about the department to assist with understanding the recruitment and selection process.

To be considered for this role please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:

Your current CV or resume, including two referees
A short-written response (maximum 2 pages) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key responsibilities and meet the skill requirements of the role.

For confidential enquiries please contact:

Justine Eden, Director, Eden Ritchie Recruitment

0412 156 930 or fsq@edenritchie.com.au

Applications close 22nd June 2026

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