Bacteria Monitoring

Duties and responsibilities: Monitor between one and four sites each month. Collect samples using sterile technique at designated sites. Return to lab at Morro Bay-Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to process the samples using sterile lab techniques. Incubate samples for 18 to 22 hours. Return to lab to read results. Must be a responsible guest while in the lab. Communicate your lab schedule to VMP staff so they can be sure the lab is prepared for your visit. Must clean up equipment upon completion of lab work so that it can be sterilized for the next person.

Qualifications: Be able to collect and process samples using sterile technique described in protocols. Be able to walk to sites. Be comfortable in a lab setting. Complete data sheets thoroughly and legibly. Attend periodic update trainings.

Training: Initial training will be from shadowing a trained volunteer in the field and/or training by VMP staff. Any follow-up questions can be answered by VMP staff. Periodic update training meetings required.

Time required: Will be responsible for between one and four sites each month. Sample collection requires approximately 15 minutes per site (including driving time). Lab time to process all samples requires approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Reading of results after 18 to 22 hours of incubation requires approximately 15 minutes. Lab is open daily. All bacteria monitoring takes place during the second week of the month. VMP staff will work with your schedule to get a regular time set up. Sites vary throughout the watershed.

Commitment required: Upon completion of training, we ask for a minimum six-month commitment. At the end of that time period, you can assess whether you would like to continue with the program.

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