Microbiology Specialist II

Desert Valley Hospital & Medical Group; Victorville (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Desert Valley Hospital & Medical Group in Southern California seeks a microbiology supervisor to oversee daily lab operations, ensuring CLIA compliance and high-quality test results. The role requires 5+ years in microbiology and proven supervisory experience, along with an active CLS license.

The position involves maintaining QA/QC standards, mentoring staff, and coordinating with clinicians to deliver accurate data for patient care.

Qualifications

• Must hold current and valid state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or limited state CLS license.
• Minimum 5 years of microbiology experience, including public health issue and reporting requirements.
• Previous supervisory/management experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or Medical Laboratory Technology per CLIA (42 CFR 493.1489).

Responsibilities

• Adhere to CLIA procedures for collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results.
• Follow quality control policies and document corrective actions when test systems deviate.
• Identify problems that may affect test performance and notify supervisor or Medical Director as needed.
• Perform high complexity testing using manual and automated methods.
• Perform testing in other department areas with demonstrated competency.
• Maintain daily, weekly, monthly instrument and equipment servicing.
• Review accuracy of patient results prior to release or reporting.
• Recognize age-specific differences in expected results from newborns to geriatrics.
• Ensure proficiency testing samples are tested properly and no premature collaboration with other labs.
• May perform venipuncture or capillary puncture across age groups as required.
• Develop and maintain department policies and procedures.
• Adhere to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and HR policies.
• Implement new procedures with required documentation.
• Supervise daily operation of the department as Section Supervisor.
• Other tasks may be assigned by department manager/director.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Supervisory experience

CLIA compliance

Laboratory safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or Medical Laboratory Technology

State CLS license or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Desert Valley Hospital, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Desert Valley Hospital is an accredited 148-bed acute care hospital located in Southern California. Desert Valley Hospital is in the top 5% of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for clinical performance. The hospital has achieved numerous quality award distinctions including Patient Safety Excellence Award, Women’s Health Excellence Award and Distinguished Hospital Clinical Excellence Award. Desert Valley Hospital, along with Desert Valley Medical Group, offers key services to the community including heart care, emergency services, labor and delivery, surgical services and more. For more information visit www.DesertValleyHospital.com.

Responsibilities

Each individual performs only those waived, moderate, or highly complex tests authorized by CLIA, Bus. & Prof. Code Section 1204, and must possess a degree of skill commensurate with individual’s education, training or experience and technical abilities specific in microbiology. Each individual performing the above procedures must:

• 1) adhere to the laboratory’s procedures for the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results,


• 2) follow the laboratory’s established quality control policies and procedures in documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications,


• 3) be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance and either correct the problem or immediately notify your immediate supervisor, Director, or Medical Director,


• 4) perform a wide variety of microbiology procedures requiring independent judgment in performing high complexity testing in both manual and automated methods,


• 5) perform testing procedures in other areas of the department for which licensed and competency demonstrated,


• 6) perform and document maintenance – daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed on instruments and equipment as appropriate,


• 7) review the accuracy of patient results prior to releasing or reporting,


• 8) recognize age specific differences in expected results for newborns to geriatrics,


• 9) ensure that the testing of proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples and that collaboration with other laboratories is prohibited prior to the reporting of proficiency testing results to the appropriate agencies,


• 10) may be required to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on various age groups from newborn to geriatrics,


• 11) develops and maintains department policies and procedures,


• 12) adheres to all department and hospital policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources,


• 13) competent in implementing new procedures including all required documentation


• 14) be responsible for supervising the daily operation of the department as Section Supervisor,


• 15) other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

• Possession of a current and valid state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or limited state Clinical
  


• Laboratory Scientist license as a Microbiologist Specialist if the laboratory is located in a state where required.


• Minimum 5 years of microbiology experience, including public health issue and reporting requirements.


• Previous supervisory/management experience required.


• Bachelor’s Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution, or other educational requirements as stated in CLIA (42 CFR 493.1489).

Pay Transparency

Desert Valley Hospital offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $45.68 to $61.47. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

Employment Status

Full Time

Shift

Days

Equal Employment Opportunity

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Privacy Notice

Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf