Recreational Water Technician

Seasonal Part-Time Recreational Water Technician

The Central Michigan District Health Department is seeking two temporary seasonal part-time (32 hours/week from late May through mid-August 2025) Recreational Water Technician to work in one or more of our six counties: Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon. Under general supervision, the technicians are to assist in monitoring water quality from recreational water source such as public pools, public beaches, rivers, lakes and streams. One technician will focus on water collection, gathering samples from recreational water sources and transporting them to designated laboratories within required timeframes. The other will focus on laboratory work, assisting with sample analysis, data entry, and drafting reports for public information and grant reporting. Both positions require working independently, following established procedures, and ensuring accurate data collection and reporting. Must have reliable transportation and valid non-probationary Michigan driver's license (minimum of 3 years from the date of initial Graduated Driver's License.) Previous experience preferred. While working in the public bathing beach program you'll be reimbursed at the IRS mileage rate according to agency policy.   

General Summary Under general supervision, collects water samples from recreational and surface waters such as public pools, public beaches, rivers, lakes, and streams. Transports samples to laboratories for analysis within specific time frame.  May participate in laboratory procedures for sample analysis under direction of laboratory staff.  Enter sample data into software for reporting purposes and data analysis.  Participate in drafting various reports for public information and/or grant reporting purposes.

Essential Duties

1. Work independently driving to and from sample locations.
2. Conducting field inspections at various locations such as public swimming pools, bathing beaches, lakes, rivers, and streams.
3. Observe and document environmental conditions present during sampling.
4. Collect and handle water samples according to policies, procedures, and chain of custody.
5. Post sample locations with general signage and public advisories as needed.
6. Interact with public to answer questions about the recreational and surface water sampling. This may include public presentations.
7. Under laboratory staff supervision, may process samples for analysis, read and report sample results.
8. Input data into BeachGuard, Excel spreadsheets, or other database.
9. Gather data necessary for generating reports for the public and for grantors.
10. Draft reports and press releases.
11. Investigates and evaluates complaints regarding recreational and surface waters.
12. Participates in recreational water and surface water training activities.
13. May conduct recreational training activities.
14. Completes forms, permits, and reports required for documentation of daily activities, inspections, and findings.
15. Follows protocols for notifying division and agency leadership of serious or immediate threats to public health and safety.
16. Performs office activities such as the preparing reports and correspondence, processing notices and licenses, writing permits, and responding to public record requests.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

1. Performs all other duties as assigned or in response to emergencies, work load or staffing shortages.
2. Maintains up-to-date vaccines including flu (influenza,) in accordance with CDC guidelines: Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must be at least 18 years old for delivery of samples with a required timeline.
2. Ability to enter, retrieve and manage data and information in electronic forms, records and databases.
3. Ability to plan and organize own work, and accomplish multiple tasks in accordance with established practice and professional standards.
4. Analytical abilities necessary to evaluate compliance and conduct comprehensive investigations; and measure and calculate temperatures, areas, distance and so forth.
5. Communication skills necessary to gather and exchange information, and provide advice, guidance and instruction on public health and safety requirements.
6. Ability to utilize environmental health equipment such as probes, tape measures, GPS, thermometers, and so forth.
7. Reliable transportation with valid non-probationary Michigan driver’s license and certificate of insurance to travel to other locations for work, training, or meetings.

Core Competencies Tier 1

Professional Public Health Core Competencies required:

Domain 1: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills

• 1.1 Describe factors that affect the health of a community.
• 1.3 Collects quantitative and qualitative data.
• 1.7 Applies public health informatics in using data, information, and knowledge.
• 1.8 Assesses community health status.

Domain 3: Communication Skills

• 3.2 Communicates with internal and external audiences.
• 3.3 Responds to information, misinformation, and disinformation.

Domain 4: Health Equity Skills

• 4.1 Applies principles of ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
• 4.2 Engages in continuous self-reflection about one’s biases.
• 4.3 Recognizes the diversity of individuals and populations.

Domain 5: Community Partnership Skills

• 5.4 Collaborates with community members and organizations.

Domain 6: Public Health Sciences Skills

• 6.1 Describes systems, policies, and events impacting public health.
• 6.2 Applies public health sciences in delivering the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

Demonstrates Core Values: integrity, positive attitude, communications, customer service, responsibility, and accountability

Environment & Effort

1. Works both in general office setting, and at various locations such as construction or excavation sites, or interior facilities like commercial kitchens or cold storage units. Regularly exposed to adverse weather conditions, and extremes in temperature, humidity, odors, noise, or dirt.
2. Physical effort includes climbing, reaching, walking over uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, pulling, lifting, wading, and pushing; and lifting and moving objects and tools weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
3. Visual effort in closely inspecting sites and surfaces, reading instruments for measures or temperatures, and viewing electronic records or reports using computer screens.
4. Mental effort in comparing and evaluating data and information, conducting investigations, and completing permits and reports under strict deadlines.