Water Quality Sampling & Analysis Specialist
GD Resources LLC is seeking qualified Water Quality Sampling & Analysis Specialists to support the Water Management Program (WMP) at the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Personnel will perform potable water, cooling tower, sterile processing water, and Legionella validation testing services in accordance with VA Directives, ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 standards, ASHRAE guidelines, EPA requirements, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, testing supplies, documentation, transportation, and technical expertise necessary to perform environmental water sampling, laboratory coordination, reporting, and emergent retesting services.
Key Responsibilities
Potable Water Legionella Validation Testing
- Perform quarterly potable water sampling throughout designated VA buildings.
- Collect and document water temperature, pH, and residual biocide levels during each sampling event.
- Obtain hot water, cold water, distillate outlet, and ice machine samples in accordance with the PWS.
- Ensure all sample collection procedures comply with:
- VHA Directive 1061(4)
- CDC ELITE Program standards
- ISO 11731 Legionella culture methods
- ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023
Cooling Tower & Chiller Plant Testing
- Conduct quarterly Legionella culture testing of cooling tower systems and chiller plant sample points.
- Coordinate startup sampling activities within seven days of VA notification.
- Support bi-weekly THAB/HPC testing activities using approved procedures and sample preservation protocols.
Sterile Processing Water Testing
- Conduct monthly Critical Water sampling and quarterly Utility Water testing.
- Perform chemistry panel analysis including:
- pH
- Conductivity
- Total alkalinity
- Total hardness
- Bacteria (HPC)
- Endotoxin testing (LAL assay)
- Coordinate emergent retesting activities as required by the COR.
Laboratory & Documentation Compliance
- Maintain chain-of-custody documentation for all collected samples.
- Coordinate overnight shipment of samples to certified laboratories.
- Provide accurate field data and testing reports to the VA COR.
- Notify the VA COR within 24 hours of any positive Legionella culture result.
- Ensure all laboratory reports are submitted within required timeframes.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Follow all applicable OSHA, EPA, VA, CDC, and state health regulations.
- Adhere to VA security, infection control, and facility access procedures.
- Maintain all certifications, laboratory accreditations, and competency documentation.
- Report incidents and security concerns immediately per VA policy.
Required Qualifications:
Required:
- Experience performing Legionella water sampling and environmental testing
- Knowledge of ISO 11731 culture methodology
- Understanding of potable water systems, cooling towers, and sterile processing systems
- Familiarity with PCR and rtPCR Legionella detection methods
- Ability to maintain accurate QA/QC documentation
- Experience handling chain-of-custody procedures
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous VA Medical Center experience
- Experience supporting healthcare facility water management programs
- Familiarity with ASHRAE 188 and ASHRAE Guideline 12
- Experience with Sterile Processing Water systems
- Environmental microbiology background
Physical Requirements
- Ability to access mechanical rooms, rooftops, sterile processing departments, and utility spaces
- Ability to lift and carry sampling equipment and coolers
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb ladders as needed
Security Requirements
- Compliance with all VA security policies
- No photography permitted without written authorization
- Adherence to HIPAA, privacy, and information security requirements
- Immediate reporting of security/privacy incidents per VA policy
Deliverables
Personnel shall support GD Resources LLC in delivering:
- Quarterly Legionella validation reports
- Cooling tower testing reports
- Sterile processing water analysis reports
- Emergent retesting reports
- QA/QC documentation
- Chain-of-custody records
- Compliance and accreditation documentation