Water Sampling Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Water Sampling Technician is responsible for collecting, documenting, packaging, and shipping water samples from designated VA Medical Center facilities in support of Legionella prevention, sterile processing water quality, dialysis water testing, dental waterline testing, and related compliance programs. The sampler is the on-site face of I-2-I Solutions and represents the company directly to VA facility personnel, infection prevention staff, and water safety committees.

This is a hands-on, field-based role. The sampler will travel between assigned facilities on a routine schedule, perform sample collection in accordance with VHA Directive 1061 and AAMI ST 108 protocols, conduct on-site field measurements, maintain strict chain-of-custody, and ensure timely shipment of samples to our laboratory via FedEx overnight delivery.

POSITION LOCATION

Job Facility: 5901 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90822
Note: I-2-I Solutions has additional project locations within California. Applicants who are able to support more than this primary location should indicate their availability, and additional facility details can be provided during the interview process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Sample Handling, Chain-of-Custody & Shipping

• Properly label, log, and preserve all collected samples per laboratory protocols.

• Maintain strict chain-of-custody documentation from point of collection through laboratory receipt.

• Package samples in appropriate sterile bottles and shipping containers provided by the laboratory.

• Transport samples to the nearest FedEx drop-off location and ship via overnight delivery to the laboratory the same day as collection (driving to FedEx is a routine and essential part of this role).

• Coordinate shipping schedules to ensure samples arrive at the laboratory within method-required holding times.

Documentation & Data Management

• Generate and submit field sampling reports (With COC) to the facility point of contact (POC) and I-2-I's Project Manager.

• Maintain accurate records of sample point IDs, GPS locations, building/floor/room identifiers, and historical sampling logs.

• Use mobile devices and QR code scanning to identify sample points and minimize data entry errors.

Facility Coordination & Compliance

• Coordinate scheduling and facility access with each VA Medical Center's Water Safety Committee, Infection Prevention staff, and Engineering department.

• Maintain a current VA-issued PIV (Personal Identity Verification) Card and follow all VA facility safety, PPE, and infection control protocols.

• Represent I-2-I Solutions professionally at all times in clinical, engineering, and patient-adjacent environments.

• Report any positive Legionella findings, unusual conditions, or safety concerns to the Project Manager immediately.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Environmental or water sampling certification ( preferred) — State environmental, drinking water, wastewater, industrial hygiene, or related certifications are preferred where applicable. Equivalent hands-on healthcare water sampling experience may substitute for formal certification.

• Proven sampling experience — Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience collecting water samples in healthcare, institutional, commercial, or regulated environments. Experience supporting VHA Directive 1061, ASHRAE 188, AAMI ST 108, or Legionella water management programs strongly preferred.

• PIV-eligible background — Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident eligible to pass a VA background investigation and receive a VA-issued PIV Card.

• Valid driver's license & reliable transportation — Clean driving record required. The role involves significant driving between facilities and to FedEx drop-off points; reliable personal or company vehicle access is essential.

• Physical requirements — Ability to walk extensively through large hospital campuses, climb stairs, lift up to 30 lbs (sample coolers and shipping containers), and work in mechanical and utility spaces.

• Documentation & technology skills — Comfortable using mobile applications, web-based data entry platforms, QR code scanning, and basic Microsoft Office tools.

• Professional communication — Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to interact professionally with VA medical, engineering, infection prevention, and administrative personnel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working on VA, DoD, or other federal healthcare contracts.

• Familiarity with the VA Water Safety Management Tool (WSMT) and quarterly Legionella compliance reporting.

• Experience with chain-of-custody procedures under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory programs.

• Knowledge of cooling tower, boiler/chiller, and building water system fundamentals.

• Plumbing, environmental health, or industrial hygiene background.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a field-based role with frequent travel between VA Medical Centers. The sampler will work in a variety of environments including mechanical rooms, rooftops (cooling towers), patient-adjacent areas (always coordinated with infection prevention), sterile processing departments, dental clinics, dialysis units, and operating room support spaces. PPE will be provided and required at all times.

This position requires comfort working independently with minimal direct supervision, while maintaining tight coordination with the I-2-I Project Manager, Laboratory Director, and assigned VA facility points of contact.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume, cover letter, and a copy of your State Certified Water Sampler credential. Please indicate which region you are applying for (California, Arizona, or New Mexico).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Conditional offers may be made pending federal contract award and successful completion of a VA background investigation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

I-2-I Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We are committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from veterans, women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.