Laboratory Director

Description

Join Our Team as Laboratory Director at Criterion Labs!

At Criterion Labs, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a mission-driven team dedicated to protecting health, safety, and the environment. For almost 40 years, we've been a trusted leader in industrial hygiene and environmental testing, known for our scientific integrity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to quality. We offer a supportive and inclusive workplace where curiosity is encouraged, training is provided, and growth is always possible.

Criterion Labs is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Laboratory Director to lead our dynamic laboratory team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established environmental, water,  and industrial hygiene laboratory with a reputation for excellence, integrity, and innovation. 

About the Laboratory Director

The Laboratory Director is the most-senior Laboratory role at Criterion and is responsible for managing the strategic direction and daily operations of Criterion’s environmental testing laboratory. Criterion’s lab serves as both a drinking water lab and an industrial hygiene lab, requiring separate certifications for operations. This role directly manages the lab team and ensures the readiness of the Laboratory itself and the team to meet the needs of Criterion’s growing customer base. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe and compliant operations of the laboratory and stays abreast of industry updates and proactively seeks out opportunities to implement new technologies to enhance laboratory services. The Laboratory Director frequently collaborates with other departments, such as Operations, Finance, and Human Resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate and timely testing results for materials that may include substances such as asbestos, lead, mold, and bacteria.
• Develops and implements laboratory policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory standards and guidelines
• Coordinates service pricing with the Finance department
• Manages laboratory staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations
• Monitors laboratory budget and expenses
• Collaborates with other departments to support overall organizational goals
• Implements new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory services
• Ensures the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Addresses and resolve any issues or discrepancies in testing results
• Prepares and present reports on laboratory performance and activities to senior leadership

The Benefits

Criterion Labs offers medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, to all full-time employees. Additional benefits include, travel assistance, survivor assurance programs, financial, legal & estate planning resources, Employees Assistance programs, and much more.

What Makes Criterion Labs Unique

Criterion Labs stands out in the industry for our deep commitment to quality, personalized service, and decades of specialized experience in environmental and industrial hygiene testing. Unlike larger, more generalized labs, we offer a boutique approach — providing tailored solutions, direct access to experts, and faster turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy or compliance.

Here are a few things that set us apart:

• Expertise & Legacy: With close to 40 years, our team is made up of industry veterans who bring a wealth of knowledge to every project.
• Client-Focused Approach: We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with clients through clear communication, reliability, and a deep understanding of regulatory needs.
• Quality Assurance: Our lab meets rigorous QA/QC standards, and we hold accreditations that reflect our dedication to high-performance testing.
• Flexibility & Responsiveness: Because we're independently operated, we can adapt quickly to client needs and project demands — something that sets us apart from larger, less agile labs.

Whether it's asbestos, lead, mold, water, air, or other industrial hygiene testing, Criterion Labs offers a level of service and trust you won’t find anywhere else.

Criterion Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.  

Requirements

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• 10 years of progressive experience in an environmental testing laboratory
• 3 years experience directly managing a team
• Extensive knowledge of environmental testing for substances such as asbestos, lead, mold, and bacteria
• Strong understanding of regulatory standards and compliance
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Understanding of the concepts underlying PFAS analyses, including extraction, machine set-up, QA/QC, and sample aging 
• Ability to troubleshoot, service, and maintain the following laboratory equipment
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems and technology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments

Required Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, such as occupational health science or public health. Master’s degree in public health, environmental health, or industrial hygiene preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform laboratory tasks
• Manual dexterity for handling laboratory equipment and samples
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Mental resilience to handle complex and challenging situations
• Ability to maintain focus and concentration in a busy laboratory environment 
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.