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Specimen Processing Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Capable of identifying specimen processing problems that may adversely affect the reporting of test ... Working cooperatively in a team environment and supporting senior laboratory and management staff.

Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Capable of identifying specimen processing problems that may adversely affect the reporting of test ... Working cooperatively in a team environment and supporting senior laboratory and management staff.

Specimen Processing - send out testing, resulting or referral testing * Participation in special ... Candidates applying for a phlebotomy role are resilient and can manage stressful situations ...

Specimen Processing - send out testing, resulting or referral testing * Participation in special ... Candidates applying for a phlebotomy role are resilient and can manage stressful situations ...

NeoGenomics is looking for a Specimen Shipping Specialist I based out of our lab in Aliso Viejo, CA ... Manager. Implement lost block/slide process to locate missing blocks/slides as required * Works ...

Specimen Shipping Specialist I

Aliso Viejo, CA

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

This is entry level in theLogisticsjob category, and employees perform the full range of specimen ... Manager. Implement lost block/slide process to locate missing blocks/slides as required * Works ...

Tissue Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$50K - $69K/yr

Carry out specimen processing tasks related to phlebotomy and inpatient specimen handling as ... Organizational skills to manage multiple cases, maintain logs, and meet courier pick-up schedules.

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Specimen Processing Manager information

What is the difference between Specimen Processing Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen Processing ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, medical technology, or related field; often requires certificationAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing specimen processing departments in labsHands-on testing and processing specimens in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesClinical labs, hospitals, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonManagement, oversight, specimen processingLaboratory work, specimen handling, testing

The Specimen Processing Manager focuses on supervising and coordinating specimen processing operations, requiring leadership skills and management experience. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians perform the technical, hands-on work of processing and testing specimens. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ mainly in responsibility level and scope of work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen processing manager?

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory operations, specimen handling protocols, and typically a degree in laboratory science or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), chain-of-custody documentation, and regulatory compliance (such as CLIA or CAP) is essential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively help manage teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills are crucial to maintaining specimen integrity, regulatory compliance, and timely laboratory operations.

What does a specimen processing manager do?

A Specimen Processing Manager oversees the daily operations of the specimen processing department in a laboratory or medical facility. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring accurate and timely processing of biological specimens, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also handle training, quality control, and may coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth laboratory operations. This role is crucial in ensuring that specimens are handled properly for accurate diagnostic testing.

What are the main challenges a specimen processing manager may face when overseeing laboratory workflow?

A Specimen Processing Manager often encounters challenges such as managing high sample volumes during peak periods, ensuring timely and accurate specimen handling, and maintaining compliance with strict laboratory protocols. Balancing workflow efficiency with quality control, especially when coordinating a diverse team across multiple shifts, can also be demanding. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for troubleshooting issues quickly and ensuring that specimens are processed without delays, which directly impacts overall laboratory performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Specimen Processing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processing Manager jobs in California?

For Specimen Processing Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Specimen Processing Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Specimen Processing Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Specimen Processing Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processing Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Specimen Processing Supervisor

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Specimen Processing Supervisor - San Juan Capistrano, CA
Schedules Available:
Tues-Sat 8:00PM-4:30AM
Wed-Sun 4:00AM-12:30PM
Pay range: $75,449 - $79,420 / year
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
• healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
• FinFit financial coaching and services
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Annual incentive plans
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities
• and so much more!
Supervise functions within the Specimen Processing department, which may include one or more of the following: Specimen Processing, Test in Question/Problem Resolution, Imaging/Microfilming. Responsible for overseeing the following activities, daily operations of Specimen Processing, all compliance training, training of personnel, monitoring Quality of the department(s), monitor and improve productivity. Ensure maintenance of a safe, ergonomically sound, professional environment. Know and understand all functions of the department.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for daily operations of department which may include responsibility for Imaging/Microfilming, Test In Question and some Problem Resolution Client Service functions
  • Oversees safety, ergonomics, maintenance, and cleanliness of department (including upgrades, repairs, etc.)
  • Develops and implements Standard Operating Procedures for Specimen Processing in accordance with Quest Diagnostics guidelines
  • Reviews Specimen Processing Standard Operating Procedure Manual on a biannual basis and ensures departmental compliance. Identifies need for revisions and/or additional SOP's as indicated
  • Where applicable, ensures all Federal, State & local licensure requirements are met, working with the QA and Medical Director's offices
  • Ensures all documentation is complete and reviewed as required for internal and external inspection/audit
  • Ensures all employees meet Compliance Guidelines and Competency Testing. Ensures all employees receive adequate training and meet annual competency requirements
  • Monitors incoming workflow from Logistics and make necessary changes to ensure adequate supply of specimens to technical departments
  • May supervise packing and shipping of specimens to other laboratories, in accordance with IATA regulations
  • Ensures integrity of specimens sent to other facilities meet the criteria necessary to provide accurate and timely results
  • Monitors special handling of Jeopardized Clients, Hospital Clients and Vital Specimens to ensure there are no mishandled specimen(s)/patient requisitions
  • Demonstrates leadership skills in employee relations, scheduling, new employee onboarding, team meetings, coaching, performance management
  • Establishes and motivates a participative work environment that actively encourages and supports employee involvement.
  • Disseminates all essential information in a timely manner, using various forms of communication to all departmental staff.
  • May track/enter time/attendance of employees
  • Prepares month-end reports
  • Investigates/resolves and responds in a timely manner to internal and external customer issues appropriately and effectively
  • Prepares schedules for department employees, maintains adequate coverage for department
  • Oversees and ensure adequate supply inventory for the department
  • Ensures continuous process improvement and/or standardization initiatives are implemented in accordance with established deadlines
  • Participates in the interview, selection, and hiring of new employees
  • Responsible for coaching, development, supervision, and succession planning of staff
  • Monitors ongoing performance of employees; provides corrective action and counseling as required. Prepares and administers annual performance reviews
  • Assists in ensuring fiscal responsibilities of the department are met which includes implementation of cost containment programs, management of overtime, participation in standardization initiatives and needs assessment for capital expenditures
  • Participates on Quest Management System (QMS) and Process Improvement Teams, or other initiatives to meet business objectives
  • Organizes and lead projects both within the workgroup and with cross-functional groups
  • Meet all deadlines assigned by the manager
  • Effectively works with Technical departments to resolve problems. Must have the interpersonal skills to gain cooperation with other departments, and foster continuous improvement
  • Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; is able to manage concerns of clients, technical departments, and employees in a professional manner
  • All other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
Internal candidates require a minimum of two years in a Group Leader/related role
Preferred Work Experience:
  • 5 years experience in a laboratory; Medical or production background preferred
  • Previous people leadership experience preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits
  • Handles multiple tasks and works in a production environment
  • Must have the mental alertness and high energy required to appropriately perform job.

Skills:
  • PC skills, MS Office applications
  • Excellent leadership, organization, communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively with internal and external customers.
  • Monitor and provide a safe work environment, prepare incident reports and implement preventative measures
  • Act in a professional manner at all times.
  • Must be able to adjust schedule to meet business requirements, which may include extended hours.
  • Knowledge of systems tools such as COGNOS, Oracle, EMPower, Kronos

Education
  • Associates Degree (Preferred)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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