Part-Time Legionella Water Quality Sampling Technician

Job Description

Position Overview

I-2-I Solutions is looking for qualified part-time technicians to support Legionella environmental water sampling activities at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities throughout VISN 6.

Technicians will perform Legionella sampling in accordance with VA Directive 1061 and CDC Legionella environmental sampling procedures. The role includes collecting potable water system samples, cooling tower samples, performing field testing measurements, completing required documentation, and coordinating activities with VA facility representatives.

This position is well suited for professionals with experience in environmental sampling, water quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, laboratory procedures, healthcare facility operations, or institutional water management programs.

Sampling assignments are conducted across seven VA Medical Centers located in Virginia and North Carolina. Candidates who are available and willing to travel between facilities in both states are strongly preferred.

All sampling activities are performed during normal business hours.

Schedule and Assignment Details

This is a part-time, event-based position with sampling activities scheduled quarterly (four planned sampling events per year).

Technicians will support sampling events at multiple VA Medical Centers, with additional site visits required when follow-up sampling or resampling is necessary due to positive Legionella detections.

Each facility requires a significant number of samples per event. Individual buildings generally include approximately 20 sampling locations, in addition to cooling tower sampling requirements. Sampling events may involve multiple days of field work, travel, and on-site activities.

Work hours are concentrated around scheduled quarterly sampling periods rather than occurring consistently throughout the year.

Assigned VA Facilities

Sampling assignments will include the following VA Medical Centers. Travel between facilities is required, and candidates able to support locations across both Virginia and North Carolina are preferred.

Virginia

• Salem VA Medical Center - Salem, VA 24153
• Hampton VA Medical Center - Hampton, VA 23667
• Richmond VA Medical Center - Richmond, VA 23249

North Carolina

• Salisbury VA Medical Center - Salisbury, NC 28144
• Fayetteville VA Medical Center - Fayetteville, NC 28301
• Durham VA Medical Center - Durham, NC 27705
• Asheville VA Medical Center - Asheville, NC 28805

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform Legionella environmental water sampling from potable water systems following VA Directive 1061 and CDC recommendations.
• Collect first-draw hot and cold water samples from designated healthcare facility outlets.
• Remove fixture filters when required and follow established first-draw sampling protocols.
• Collect cooling tower water samples, including two samples per cooling tower cell from diagonally opposite locations when safe access is available.
• Collect quarterly ice machine samples by obtaining water from dispensers when available or collecting enough ice to produce the required sample volume after melting.
• Measure and document field parameters including water temperature, free chlorine residual, total chlorine residual, and pH.
• Apply aseptic sampling methods and contamination-control procedures throughout collection activities.
• Follow required sample volume procedures, including routine quarterly sample volumes and larger containers for retesting activities.
• Complete electronic field documentation and VA-provided spreadsheets accurately.
• Record sample locations, equipment details, barcodes, measurements, and field notes.
• Maintain proper chain-of-custody records from collection through shipment.
• Package and prepare samples for laboratory delivery.
• Coordinate sampling schedules and site access with VA personnel.
• Follow facility safety procedures, infection-control requirements, and PPE guidelines.
• Support additional sampling activities when follow-up testing is required.
• Communicate professionally with VA engineering staff, facilities management teams, and infection prevention personnel.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

• Legionella environmental sampling
• Drinking water sampling
• Cooling tower sampling
• Environmental microbiology
• Healthcare water management programs
• Hospital or healthcare facility operations
• Industrial hygiene sampling
• Water quality monitoring
• Environmental compliance inspections
• CDC Legionella sampling guidance

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation to travel to assigned VA facilities.
• Ability and willingness to travel between assigned VA Medical Centers.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned sampling activities.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
• Experience using electronic forms, spreadsheets, and mobile devices.
• Ability to access mechanical rooms, rooftops, cooling towers, and utility areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and lift up to 40 pounds of sampling equipment.
• Professional appearance with strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to complete facility credentialing and background screening requirements when applicable.

Preferred Professional Backgrounds

Candidates with experience in the following roles are encouraged to apply:

• Water Quality Technician
• Environmental Sampling Technician
• Industrial Hygiene Technician
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Laboratory Technician
• Water Operator Certification Holder
• Military Preventive Medicine Technician

Additional Preferred Experience

• Previous sampling experience at VA Medical Centers, hospitals, or healthcare facilities.
• Experience performing Legionella sampling under VA Directive 1061 requirements.
• Experience measuring chlorine residuals, pH, and temperature in potable water systems.
• Experience with chain-of-custody procedures and laboratory sample submission processes.