Stormwater Sampler & Sample Pick-up Courier

JOB TITLE: Stormwater Sampler & Sample Pick-up Courier 

REPORTS TO: Production Manager

STATUS: Part-Time, Non-exempt; Variable/As-Needed  

SALARY RANGE: $25.00/hour + eligible incentives 

LOCATION: San Diego Area, CA 

BENEFITS: Benefits are available to eligible employees in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. 

Tidal Vision:

We believe that sustainability should not require customers to compromise on price, convenience, or performance. Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact by making our biopolymer solutions cost competitive, more convenient, and better performing than the synthetic chemicals we displace. We value innovation and take pride in challenging the status quo; we choose to view obstacles as opportunities. We value new ideas and encourage the team to apply creativity and invent new solutions to meet challenging demands. We value open, direct communication and foster a collaborative working environment through our unique approach to work culture. We value our employees and demonstrate that through our compensation and benefits programs and opportunities for growth and development. 

 Overview:

The Sample Pick-Up Courier is responsible for completing assigned sample pick-up and stormwater sampling assignments throughout San Diego County using their personal vehicle for required travel between locations. Sample pick-up routes may range from a few stops to approximately 20 client locations per day. The role may also include stormwater sampling assignments at client facilities based on business needs. This position ensures that samples, sampling supplies, field observations, and required documentation are collected, handled, and delivered accurately and within required timeframes while maintaining sample integrity and chain of custody. The Sample Pick-Up Courier also provides dependable and professional service to clients and supports Frog Environmental's sampling operations and laboratory deadlines.

This is a part-time, variable/as-needed position. Work hours and assignments may fluctuate based on storm events, sample pick-up needs, client schedules, and business needs. Regular or minimum weekly hours are not guaranteed.

Compensation & Incentives:

The base rate for this position is $25.00 per hour. In addition to the base hourly rate, employees may be eligible for the following:

• Required Sampling Training: $50.00 per hour for approximately two hours of required initial sampling training.
• Sampling Incentive: $200 for successfully sampling 1–2 assigned client facilities during a deployment, whether sampling one or all required sampling points at each facility.
• Additional Sampling Incentive: $50 for each additional client facility successfully sampled during the same deployment.
• Sample Pick-Up Incentive: $5 for each eligible scheduled sample pick-up stop completed in accordance with program requirements.
• Mileage Reimbursement: Mileage incurred while performing assigned duties using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable California mileage reimbursement rate. 
• Cell Phone Reimbursement: Employees required to use a personal cell phone for business purposes will receive reimbursement in accordance with Company policy and applicable California law.

All required work time is paid, and overtime will be paid in accordance with applicable California law. Incentive payments are nondiscretionary and will be included in the employee's regular rate of pay to the extent required by applicable law. Employees will receive at least two hours of pay per deployment, or any greater amount required by applicable California law.

Responsibilities:

Sample Pick-Up & Transportation

• Pick up replenishment sampling kits from Frog Environmental by the designated time on the day of the route or prior to the scheduled route, unless alternate arrangements have been approved in advance.
• Pick up completed stormwater samples from assigned client locations according to scheduled routes.
• Verify that sample bottles are properly labeled with required information, including company name, sampling date, and sample location.
• Ensure samples from different facilities remain separated and properly packaged during transportation.
• Provide replacement sampling kits to clients during each pick-up.
• Verify that a completed physical Chain of Custody (COC) accompanies each sample.
• Coordinate with client representatives to address missing COCs whenever possible.
• Notify Frog Environmental promptly if required samples or documentation cannot be obtained.
• Communicate delays, extended wait times, scheduling issues, or other concerns encountered while completing assigned routes.
• Follow assigned routes and obtain approval before making route changes.
• Coordinate after-hours deliveries when unable to return samples before office closing.
• Maintain communication with Frog Environmental throughout assigned work.
• Ensure samples and required documentation are delivered to Frog Environmental on the same day unless otherwise approved.
• Obtain confirmation from a Frog Environmental employee that all samples have been received before leaving.
• Protect sample integrity during transportation through appropriate handling and storage.
• Provide professional and courteous service when interacting with client personnel.
• Promptly report issues, discrepancies, client concerns, and supply needs.

Stormwater Sampling

• Monitor weather forecasts and deploy for sampling assignments when authorized.
• Collect stormwater samples in accordance with applicable permit requirements and Frog Environmental procedures.
• Collect samples within required regulatory timeframes following qualifying storm events.
• Follow established sample collection protocols to prevent contamination and preserve sample integrity.
• Wear required PPE and follow appropriate safety and clean-sampling procedures.
• Collect samples only at designated sampling locations using provided maps and instructions.
• Photograph sampling locations and discharge points and submit required documentation the same day.
• Perform required field pH testing within applicable timeframes.
• Accurately complete Chain of Custody (COC) and Sample Event Observation (SEO) forms.
• Accurately and completely label sample containers.
• Properly store samples on ice or under refrigeration, as required, until delivery.
• Communicate sampling status, completed locations, issues encountered, and supply needs to Frog Environmental on the same day.
• Refer client questions or requests to the appropriate Frog Environmental staff.
• Deliver or ship samples and required documentation promptly following collection in accordance with Company procedures.
• Follow applicable safety procedures, environmental requirements, and Company protocols.
• Promptly report missing supplies, unsafe conditions, or sampling concerns.
• Accurately record work time, mileage, and required expense information and submit documentation in accordance with Company procedures.

Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently while managing assigned routes and sampling activities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including accurate handling of samples and documentation.
• Ability to follow sampling, safety, chain-of-custody, and other established procedures.
• Strong professional communication skills.
• Ability to use a personal cell phone for work-related communication, documentation, and navigation.
• Ability to complete required training.

Licensing & Special Requirements:

• Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and automobile insurance required.
• Background check required.
• Ability to travel to assigned client facilities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• This is a field-based role involving frequent driving and work at client facilities, including outdoor work in rain and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely handle and transport sample containers, coolers, sampling kits, and related supplies and perform sampling activities at designated locations.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Tidal Vision provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.