Director of the Crime Laboratory

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director to lead our forensic science operations in the Crime Laboratory. This executive-level position oversees all aspects of laboratory management, quality assurance, and scientific integrity in support of criminal investigations and public safety. Through subordinate supervisors, this position will manage a staff of criminalists, forensic specialists, and other forensic science support personnel in the collection, preservation, and scientific testing of physical evidence in criminal investigations. The results of this testing are reported to law enforcement agencies, prosecution and defense attorneys, and the courts. This position will exercise a broad knowledge of personnel and financial management, scientific and technological procedures, and the relations of the department with other law enforcement and investigative agencies and jurisdictions.

We’re looking for a leader who embodies the following qualities:

• Visionary and Strategic– Sets a clear direction for the lab, anticipates future needs, and aligns operations with evolving forensic and justice system priorities.
• Scientifically Grounded– Brings deep expertise in criminalistics and forensic science, with a commitment to scientific integrity and innovation.
• Collaborative Leader– Builds trust and strong working relationships with justice partners, law enforcement, attorneys, and internal teams.
• Ethical and Principled– Demonstrates the highest standards of professional ethics, objectivity, and accountability.
• Effective Communicator– Skilled in presenting complex scientific information clearly to diverse audiences, including courts, boards, and the public.
• Change Agent– Embraces continuous improvement, drives modernization of lab practices, and leads through change with resilience and adaptability.
• Mentor and Team Builder– Invests in staff development, fosters a culture of learning, and inspires excellence across multidisciplinary teams.
• Results-Oriented– Focused on measurable outcomes, operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality forensic services under pressure.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a respected, internationally accredited, high-impact forensic laboratory serving all criminal justice agencies in Santa Clara County.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

Filing Period and Application Procedure 

Final Filing Date: Friday, November 7, 2025.The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.
 
This recruitment requires the submission of an online application. No paper applications will be accepted. Applicants must apply online at https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers
 
It is important that the following information be included in your application packet, as it will be evaluated during the competitive review process: 
 
1. Résumé;
2. Cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate, including specific examples from your experience (maximum of 3 pages);
3. Complete responses to the supplemental questions.

Thorough referencing and a background investigation will be conducted once mutual interest has been established. The finalist will be asked to provide a minimum of five references, and prior authorization from the finalist will be obtained by Executive Services.
 
Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Quynh Truong, Executive Services at 408.315.9559 or quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org
 

Stay Informed On Our Latest Executive Leadership Recruitments

Subscribe to our Executive Leadership Careers Newsletter! Click here
Or follow us on Meta| Instagram| LinkedIn

Typical Management Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage the staff, functions, and budget of the Laboratory;

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, and priorities for carrying out the functions of the Laboratory;
• Select, supervise, instruct, and evaluate subordinate staff;
• Initiate, evaluate, and make changes in laboratory methods, procedures, and equipment;
• Conduct research in the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment in connection with scientific criminal investigation;

• Establish and maintain appropriate administrative policies, structures, controls, and reporting systems for cost effective performance of Laboratory functions;

• Prepare and conduct in-service training programs on scientific criminal investigation for local law enforcement agencies;
• Establish and maintain working relationships with the District Attorney’s office, local law enforcement agencies, and Superior Court; 
• Maintain competence and knowledge of current trends and new developments in criminalistics or related fields;
• May be assigned Disaster Service Worker duties as required; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or equivalent education with a major in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field, and six years’ experience in the practice of general criminalistics, including two years in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of management necessary to lead, plan, organize, and monitor the staff and functions of a criminal forensic laboratory;

• Principles, methods, materials, equipment, and techniques of criminalistics;
• Principles of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, physiology, zoology, botany, and photography as related to criminalistics;
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information in the field of criminalistics;
• Common types of narcotics, poisons, firearms, and explosives;
• Laws of evidence, criminal procedure, and crimes;
• Principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, and motivation, performance evaluation, training, and employee/labor relations; and
• Practices and techniques of budget preparation, monitoring, and control.

Ability to:

• Effectively plan, organize, staff, and direct a criminalistics laboratory;
• Prepare and administer the Laboratory’s budget;
• Develop and implement short and long-range strategies, goals, and objectives;
• Identify, investigate, and analyze problems and formulate and implement constructive solutions; 

• Recommend and implement effective and efficient methods, systems, policies, and processes for operational efficiency; 

• Effectively plan, train, supervise, and evaluate others;
• Speak effectively before groups or in court as an expert;
• Develop and maintain good working relationships to represent the Laboratory and interact effectively with law enforcement agencies, the public, and employees;
• Prepare clear, concise reports; and

• Demonstrate strong analytical skills coupled with excellent communication skills to present findings or recommendations to a variety of audiences.