Part-Time Water Sample Collector

Altoona VA Medical Center Water Sampling Technician

Position: Part-Time Water Sample Collector – SPS, Dental, Laboratory, and Cooling Water

Location: James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Reports To: Water Quality Program Manager

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties

• 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

Work Schedule

• Biweekly – as early as every 14 days, not to exceed 16 days.
• Monthly – as early as the 15th of every month and no later than the last business day of very month.
• Quarterly – Every 80 – 100 days and can coincide with the monthly testing.
• Annually – Every 12 Months and can coincide with the monthly and quarterly testing.
• On-demand retesting may require flexible availability during normal weekday business hours.

Qualifications

Preferred experience with:

• 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

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.

Preferred Background

• 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

Employment Type

Part-time, as-needed field position. Hours will vary based on the contract sampling schedule and any requested retesting.