Placer County

Forensic Laboratory Director (#11863)

$79.94-$99.82 Hourly / $13,856.27-$17,302.13 Monthly / $166,275.20-$207,625.60 Yearly

DEFINITION

To manage and direct the overall operations of the Placer County forensic laboratory; to develop laboratory policies and procedures and to ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation board regulations; and to perform the more complex collection, preservation, and scientific analysis procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Forensic Laboratory Director is a single position classification responsible for directing and managing the operations of the Placer County forensic laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Develop, plan, and implement laboratory goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures. 
  • Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the laboratory’s work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures. 
  • Establish laboratory standards, technical procedures, and internal and external quality assurance programs; meet and maintain accreditation standards. 
  • Direct and oversee all evidence handling procedures within the forensic laboratory to ensure compliance with applicable laws of evidence and chain of custody protocols in both civil and criminal matters; establish and enforce policies and quality assurance standards to maintain the integrity, security, and admissibility of forensic evidence. 
  • Negotiate and administer contracts; apply for and administer grants. 
  • Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the laboratory budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments. 
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate staff; provide and/or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the laboratory.  
  • Research and prepare technical and administrative reports, laboratory activity reports, and case-related statistics; prepare written correspondence. 
  • Stay abreast of modern techniques, methods, and equipment for scientific criminal investigations. 
  • Interpret laboratory results for law enforcement staff and attorneys; testify in court. 
  • Direct and coordinate evidence presentation, subpoena responses, and mutual case needs with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 
  • Consult with law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other relevant subject matter experts on the solution of problems involving the analysis and evaluation of evidence. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of high-quality customer service. 
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in a laboratory and/or office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Duties are performed in close proximity to human remains, fluids, and waste, which may include odors, biological/chemical agents, and communicable disease. Position may require travel to and from locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and may occasionally be required to work odd or unusual hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be subject to responding to emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training: 

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in forensic science casework, including two (2) years of technical lead and/or administrative management responsibility. 

Training: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, or a related field. 

Required License or Certificate: 

  • May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required. 
  • May need to complete the annual proficiency testing as required by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 

  • Principles and practices of operating a modern forensic science laboratory, including organizational analysis, fiscal management, budgetary preparation and control, policy development, and program planning and implementation.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
  • Principles, procedures, and techniques of modern forensic and criminal investigation, identification, and analysis.
  • Laws of evidence and general procedures of civil and criminal practices concerning the physical chain of custody for evidence.
  • Principles of chemistry, physics, and biochemistry as related to criminalistics. 
  • Principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis of physical evidence.
  • Common types of narcotics, poisons, firearms, and explosives.
  • Principles and techniques of quality control and quality assurance, and the quality assurance guidelines of national accrediting bodies of forensic laboratories.
  • Regional forensic laboratory services and equipment planning, evaluation, and assessment.
  • Principles and practices of grant and contract administration.
  • Principles and practices of effective technical report writing, and statistical data collection and analysis.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, and statutes. 
  • Principles and practices of laboratory safety management.
  • Principles of supervision, performance evaluations, and training, including managing laboratory casework.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computer software and applications. 
Ability to: 
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; read, observe, identify, interpret, understand, analyze, apply, recall, and explain complex and technical policies, procedures, numerical information, work papers, technical reports, special projects, and pertinent laws, rules, and regulations; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards; analyze situations and determine proper course of action; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks with frequent interruptions; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time.
  • On a continuous basis, sit for long periods of time while at a desk, in meetings, or when conducting laboratory analyses; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, or twist to reach equipment, files or supplies; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate and to enter/retrieve data; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; visually differentiate between colors and shades of colors; lift moderate weight.
  • Plan, manage, direct, and coordinate the services of a forensic laboratory.
  • Oversee the performance of a variety of difficult and complex chemical, instrumental, and laboratory analyses.
  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of laboratory, scientific, photographic, and safety equipment and instruments.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion, persuasion, and group facilitation.
  • Prepare and administer a laboratory budget.
  • Use modern office equipment, including computers, software, and applications. 
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:

This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment. 

Bargaining Unit:

Management

FLSA Status:

Exempt

CLASS: 11863; EST: 4/14/2026;