Laboratory Manager at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital – Ridgecrest, California

Job Summary

• Occupation: Laboratory Manager

• Specialty: Laboratory

• Salary: $54.20–$84.37

• Working Hours: Full-time (Approx. 40 hours/week, flexible)

• Shifts: Day, with on-call responsibilities

• On-Call: Yes

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in laboratory medicine or related science

• Position Type: Full Time

• Work Environment: Hospital Clinic

• Location: 93555, Ridgecrest, California, United States

• Visa Sponsorship: No

Job Description

We are seeking a Lab Manager who is passionate about leading a high-performing acute-care hospital laboratory. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, guide a dedicated team, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, 24/7 laboratory services. You will also play a key role in regulatory compliance, troubleshoot testing and instrumentation, and foster an inclusive, collaborative, and patient-centered lab culture.

The ideal candidate will be a working generalist with extensive experience in chemistry, blood bank, hematology, coagulation, molecular microbiology, and laboratory information systems, as well as familiarity with microbiology test methods. This is a hands-on leadership position with ample opportunity to mentor staff, solve complex problems, and help shape a lab environment that supports patients ranging from newborns to long-term care residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage hospital-based laboratory operations and workflow (24/7 coverage)

• Oversee staff across multiple departments (chemistry, blood bank, hematology, coagulation)

• Ensure compliance with CAP/COLA and state regulations

• Fill in on the bench as needed and troubleshoot instrumentation

Collaborative Teamwork

This role involves working closely with clinical teams to support timely diagnoses and care. You’ll lead by example to maintain a collaborative, patient-centered culture and ensure our lab runs smoothly — even in times of high demand or short staffing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in laboratory medicine or related science

• Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license

• BLS certification required

• Minimum six (6) years of experience in a licensed clinical lab

• Minimum two (2) years of hospital supervisory experience

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Proficient generalist with exposure to:

• Chemistry (Roche COBAS 501/601 preferred)

• Blood Bank (Ortho Vision using gel cards)

• Coagulation (Stago)

• Hematology (Beckman-Coulter DXH9000)

• Microbiology and molecular methods (operational understanding)

• At least 8 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

• 4–5 years of lab management experience

• California-based training with year-long CLS internship

Benefits You'll Enjoy

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• 403B with Employer Match

• Life Insurance

• Flex Spending – Health Care & Dependent Care

• Employee Assistance Program

• Gym Membership Reimbursement

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Sick and Vacation Time

Welcome To RRH

Established for over 60 years, RRH is a non-profit, DNV-accredited, full-service hospital and integrated healthcare system serving our region across a 38-acre campus. RRH includes a 25-bed acute care hospital, a 125-bed skilled nursing facility, and a comprehensive network of services supported by more than 860 employees.

Our organization operates five primary care clinics and other multi-specialty clinics, an ambulatory surgery center, ambulance services, and full-service imaging and laboratory capabilities—allowing RRH to deliver coordinated, high-quality care across the continuum. RRH received the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine Award in both 2023 and 2025, recognizing its commitment to healthcare worker well-being. RRH also maintains an established physician well-being program.

Our mission is to be the partner of choice for the healthcare needs of our community. Our purpose is to care for our community’s health and the well-being of those who care for them.
About Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest is a family-friendly community of 38,000 in the desert of central Southern California, far from the traffic and commotion of LA. Affordable and safe, it’s been voted as the best place to live in Kern County by Niche. Home of the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, it is near the Sierra Mountains and full of natural wonders, outdoor activities, and sunshine.

Our hospital is close to Mammoth Ski Area, Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Forest, and Death Valley. Learn more About Ridgecrest and the Outdoor Activities around it.