Health Technologist - Environmental

Job Summary

This position serves as an Environmental Health Technologist for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) within the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. The NADP is a nationwide network dedicated to monitoring the chemistry of precipitation and atmospheric deposition across the United States. Established in 1978, the program collects and analyzes weekly precipitation samples from hundreds of monitoring sites to examine trends in concentrations and deposition of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, ammonia, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The data generated by NADP supports critical research into acid rain, nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, and the effectiveness of air quality regulations.

The Health Technologist will receive and login precipitation and other environmental samples. They will perform data entry on all samples received and will track the information in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The technologist will also receive used sampling supplies, and they will clean, prepare and ship outgoing supplies. They will inventory sample and shipping supplies in a web-based tracking system and maintain stocks of all materials in order to meet the needs of the program. They will be the lead point person for the new PFAS network and communicate regularly with the PFAS analytical team. This position is responsible for the careful, methodical review of large data sets for multiple NADP networks, checking for inconsistencies and data entry errors using established procedures and checklists.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Keeps detailed records and assesses test data to maintain highest quality of service and performance - 15%
• May investigate complaints as directed - 5%
• May collect, document, and transport environmental samples - 10%
• Communicates results, feedback, or suggestions; and discusses trends, procedural questions, and concerns - 10%
• Ensures equipment is properly calibrated and maintained according to professional standards and conduct tests - 5%
• Reads and interprets test results - 5%
• Prepares equipment and samples for laboratory tests - 40%
• Conducts tests - 10%