Field Sampling Technician (Field Sampling Tech)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthDescription
Collect environmental samples and conduct basic field measurements to support monitoring and pollution investigations under the direction of environmental scientists or engineers. Prepare, preserve, and deliver samples for laboratory analysis while maintaining QA/QC, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- • Collect soil, groundwater, surface water, stormwater, air, and wastewater samples per SOPs.
- • Calibrate, operate, and maintain field instruments (pH, conductivity, DO, turbidity, PID, O2/LEL, flow).
- • Set up and retrieve monitoring equipment, samplers, and data loggers at designated locations.
- • Perform groundwater well gauging, purging, and low-flow sampling.
- • Log soil cores and screen vapors or soils with a PID during drilling or test pits.
- • Measure and record field parameters, flow rates, and weather conditions.
- • Preserve, label, and package samples; maintain chain-of-custody and holding times.
- • Prepare coolers and ship or deliver samples to laboratories per DOT and QA/QC requirements.
- • Decontaminate tools and equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
- • Document activities with field logs, GPS coordinates, photos, and sketches; upload data to databases.
- • Follow site-specific sampling plans, SOPs, and quality assurance project plans.
- • Conduct job safety analyses and air monitoring; use required PPE and follow HAZWOPER and site safety plans.
- • Identify and report unsafe or changing site conditions to supervisors.
- • Coordinate site access, utility locates, and work sequencing with clients, property owners, and subcontractors.
- • Assist with spill or incident response sampling under supervision.
- • Implement stormwater, NPDES, or stack compliance sampling per regulatory methods.
- • Install, develop, and maintain monitoring wells or temporary piezometers as directed.
- • Manage investigation-derived waste, purge water, and disposable materials in accordance with regulations.
- • Conduct basic QA/QC checks (field blanks, duplicates, equipment blanks) and document results.
- • Maintain equipment inventories, calibration records, and vehicle readiness.
- • Prepare concise field reports, sample inventories, and daily summaries for project managers.
- • Communicate schedule and field status updates to project teams and stakeholders.
- • Obtain permits and right-of-entry documents as needed for sampling activities.
- • Ensure site control and signage for work areas to protect the public and crew.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
