Who exercises overall control of sample collection?

• A. R&S Element Team Leader
• B. Assistant Sample Collector
• C. Field Technician
• D. Operations Officer

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is who has ultimate responsibility for directing the sampling activity. The person who exercises overall control is the one tasked with planning, directing, and validating the entire sample collection operation. This role ensures the sampling plan is appropriate, safety and quality standards are followed, equipment and personnel are ready, and the chain of custody is maintained. The R&S Element Team Leader typically holds this responsibility, supervising the field team, assigning tasks, approving procedures, and resolving issues or deviations as needed. Other roles perform specific tasks within that plan under supervision—field technicians carry out the sampling, assistants provide support, and an operations officer may oversee broader operations. But they do not have the overarching authority over the sampling process itself. That overarching control rests with the team leader.