December 15, 2005
Monica Thompson
Monica Thompson, Water Lab Supervisor
Monica is a dedicated professional who provides exceptional support and service to our customers and employees. She is essential to our health organization's team. As our Water Lab Supervisor, Monica operates Bethel's only State Certified Water Laboratory and is responsible for processing water samples for our entire region to ensure water is clean and safe to drink in our communities.
Monica Naangiiq Thompson is the daughter of Oscar "Ozzie" and Sally Demientieff of Bethel and the wife of Jake Thompson. A 1998 graduate of Bethel Regional High School, she began her career seven years ago as a Water Laboratory Technician. Monica was quick to learn on-the-job and worked toward receiving her certification from the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in January of 1999. "My certification is required for OEHE to provide a State Certified Water Lab for the YK Delta." In 2001 she was promoted to Water Lab Supervisor and has continued to supervise and operate Bethel's laboratory since.
"I manage and process the water samples from 47 villages, 17 schools and 38 local businesses. Processing water samples includes monitoring samples for coliform bacteria, testing fluoride levels, and submitting documentation to DEC. Ultimately, my job is making sure people in Bush Alaska are drinking clean and safe water."
As a young Yup'ik woman who is working towards her Bachelor's degree, she is in a unique career essential to our organization and is a key force behind clean and safe water in our communities. Monica believes a positive attitude is an essential component of working productively and living happily. She quotes John Maxwell as an inspiration to her everyday work ethic, "We cannot control life's difficult moments but we can choose to make life less difficult. We cannot control the negative atmosphere in the world, but we can control the atmosphere of our minds."
Water Lab Supervisor
- High school diploma
- State of Alaska DEC certification course and exam
- Beginning pay: $20.98 per hr.