Specimen Processing Group Lead

Quest Diagnostics; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) Matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics in San Juan Capistrano, CA seeks a Specimen Processing Group Lead for a Monday–Friday 4:00 AM–12:30 PM shift. The role oversees 8–12 technicians, coordinates training, performance reviews, and departmental workflows while ensuring compliance and safety.

The ideal candidate has a lab background, strong leadership, and experience guiding a team through production demands. Benefits include health coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Internal candidates minimum of one year in SPT III/related role.
• Experience in a laboratory environment preferred.
• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Good problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee scheduling and supervision of Specimen Technicians (8–12 staff).
• Assist supervisors with performance reviews and disciplinary actions.
• Coordinate shift work, ensure production and deadlines are met.
• Monitor supply inventory and maintain equipment; train staff.
• Support training, audits, and department workflow improvements.

Job description

Job Description

Specimen Processing Group Lead - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Job Description

Pay range: $26.04 - $27.41 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended. 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!

This position assists the department supervisors by performing combinations of the following activities: Schedule coordination, general supervision of all Specimen Technicians, providing input to supervisors for performance review and disciplinary action. The Group leader typically leads 8 - 12 employees, is involved in process and compliance audits and may be responsible for performing duties listed below. Priority consideration given to internal candidates for this position.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a proficiency and understanding of all job duties in Specimen Processing department
• Strong troubleshooting and problem resolution skills; ability to work effectively with the technical departments to resolve problems and gain cooperation as needed
• Assists all SPT’s in proper test selection and problem resolution
• Answers and clarifies employee questions (including laboratory personnel) regarding processing
• Provides appropriate feedback to supervisor(s) when problems arise.
• Completes appropriate shift paperwork, setting up for production, and insuring that their staff has cleaned up at the end of the shift
• Monitors supply inventory, ordering supplies as needed
• Repairs and maintains department equipment notifying appropriate personnel when repairs beyond the general scope are required
• Assists in or performing all training, cross training and department auditing functions as assigned by the supervisor(s)
• Perform all other job duties as assigned
• In addition to above, the group leader may assist the supervisor(s) in the following:
• Prioritizing work assignments
• Monitoring production and activity of all SPT’s in order to meet departmental deadlines
• Coaching for improved performance by providing appropriate feedback and maintaining a positive work environment
• Ensures effective employee utilization through workforce planning to include staffing weekends and holidays
• Makes suggestions and recommendations to enhance workflow
• Helps manage department overtime
• Ensures that all Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and Specimen Processing policies and procedures are adhered to

Qualifications

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Required Work Experience

Internal candidates minimum of one year in SPT III/related role

Preferred Work Experience

• 3 years experience in a laboratory environment with Specimen Processing experience preferred.
• Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously and with interruptions, physical and mental stress
• Works in a biohazard environment and practices good safety habits
• Able to sit or stand for long periods

Skills

• PC skills including the ability to run reports & use to manage workflow; real-time thru-put
• Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee performance, may have knowledge of disciplinary actions up to, and including termination.
• Demonstrates leadership by example, exhibiting good attendance, good decision making, and keep the team on task
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability
• Drives frequent employee interaction on the floor providing feedback, coaching, and guidance
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills and ability to answer questions with both internal and external clients
• Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety, and compliance policies and procedures
• Works under pressure and assists department in maintaining productivity and quality goals
• Ability to diffuse tense situations and applies good judgment when making decisions and resolving problems

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Preferred)

Pursuant to code CA BPC 1269 under CLIA, any lab releasing results for California work must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent.

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.