Part-Time Water Sample Collector

I-2-I Solutions•Altoona, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

I-2-I Solutions is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented technician to perform water sampling at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The sampler will collect water samples from Sterile Processing Service areas, dental operatories, laboratory water systems, cooling towers, and the online chiller in accordance with contract requirements and established water-sampling procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with healthcare, laboratory, environmental, engineering, or water quality experience who enjoy independent work.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written sampling instructions exactly.
Ability to work independently and communicate professionally with VA staff.
Ability to maintain aseptic technique and prevent sample contamination.
Ability to complete accurate field records and electronic or paper chain-of-custody forms.
Ability to lift and carry coolers, sampling supplies, and equipment weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and access mechanical, clinical, dental, and sterile-processing areas.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to the Altoona VA Medical Center as scheduled.
Ability to pass required background, identification, site-access, and annual VA privacy-training requirements.
Willingness to wear required PPE, facility identification, and a mask when required by the VA.

Nice To Haves

Environmental or drinking-water sampling
Healthcare or hospital environments
Sterile Processing Departments and ANSI/AAMI ST108
Dental unit waterline sampling
Cooling tower or industrial water sampling
Laboratory specimen collection and chain-of-custody procedures
Use and calibration of portable pH or water-quality meters
Water Quality Technician
Environmental Technician
Laboratory Technician or Specimen Collection Technician
Sterile Processing Technician
Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist
Military biomedical, preventive medicine, or environmental health experience

Responsibilities

Collect water samples from Sterile Processing critical-water, utility-water, and steam-condensate locations.
Collect quarterly dental unit waterline samples from multiple dental rooms and operatories.
Collect quarterly samples from the main and auxiliary laboratory Millipore water systems.
Collect biweekly samples from four cooling towers and the exit from the online chiller.
Perform immediate field pH testing using a calibrated pH meter, generally within 15 minutes of sample collection.
Follow aseptic sampling practices, including tap flushing, proper disinfection, drying of sampling points, and use of the correct sterile or endotoxin-free containers.
Observe and document water color, clarity, turbidity, and the presence of sediment when required.
Record the sample location, date, time, temperature, collector name, and other required field information.
Complete chain-of-custody documentation accurately, including transfer times, signatures, and sample temperatures.
Maintain temperature-controlled samples in a cooler with ice packs between 2°C and 6°C during transport.
Label, package, and prepare samples for prompt delivery or shipment to the laboratory.
Be available for requested retesting, including response within 48 hours of notification when required.
Maintain sampling equipment, supplies, meters, coolers, and inventory in clean and serviceable condition.
Follow VA site access, identification, privacy training, personal protective equipment, and infection-prevention requirements.
Follow ANSI/AAMI ST108 sampling protocols