Water Sampling Technician / Sampler
The Water Sampling Technician is responsible for performing on-site water sample collection in support of scheduled and emergency water-quality testing at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. The project covers the Sterile Processing Service water system, including utility water, critical water, steam, RO-related systems, Medivators, sinks, loop feed/return points, and other designated sampling locations.
The sampler will collect water samples according to the project sampling schedule and applicable AAMI ST108 requirements, properly prepare and package samples, maintain accurate sample identification and collection information, and arrange shipment to the designated laboratory. The VA specifically requires the contractor’s personnel to perform the sampling; VA employees may assist with access and escorting but will not collect the samples.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform on-site water sampling at all assigned locations within the SPS and associated hospital areas.
- Follow approved water-sampling techniques, project procedures, and applicable AAMI ST108 requirements. The solicitation specifically requires personnel performing this work to be trained in water-sampling techniques and procedures.
- Collect routine monthly and quarterly samples according to the established sampling schedule and assigned locations.
- Collect samples for parameters including pH, alkalinity, bacteria, endotoxin/LAL, ionic contaminants, conductivity, total hardness, and other tests required under the contract.
- Collect all samples on site and prepare them for laboratory analysis. Under the current VA-approved procedure, samples are shipped to the laboratory and no field measurements are performed on site.
- Use the correct sampling containers, materials, labels, packaging, and shipping supplies for each sample.
- Properly identify each sample by collection location and collection date so laboratory results can be traced to the correct test site.
- Package samples for shipment to the laboratory while protecting sample integrity and following applicable handling procedures.
- Notify the project manager or laboratory of any collection issue, damaged container, suspected contamination, incorrect sampling point, or other condition that could affect sample validity.
- Support repeat sampling when laboratory results or project requirements call for a new sample.
- Be available for emergency sampling when a potential contamination event affecting the water supply occurs. For emergency events, the contractor must respond within one hour and, when required, dispatch sampling personnel to the site within 24 hours.
- Complete routine sampling assignments within the project’s normal on-site service hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, excluding federal holidays.
Required Qualifications
- Training in water-sampling techniques and procedures.
- Ability to follow written sampling procedures and AAMI ST108-related requirements.
- Ability to correctly identify sampling locations and collect samples without contaminating the sample.
- Ability to properly label, package, document, and prepare samples for laboratory shipment.
- Ability to work in a hospital and sterile-processing environment while following PPE, infection-control, safety, security, and visitor requirements.
- Ability to communicate professionally with VA personnel, laboratory personnel, and project management.
- Personnel must be able to demonstrate competency when requested. The solicitation also allows the VA to request the job title, job description, and qualifications of personnel who may provide the service.
Work Environment
The sampler will work primarily inside the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, including Sterile Processing Service and GI-related areas. Sampling locations identified in the project include 2-bay and 3-bay sinks, GI sinks, Medivators, SPS critical-water locations, steam points of use, and critical-water loop feed and return locations.