Health Physics Specialist

General Description

Under the guidance of the Health Physicist Manager, the Health Physics Specialist plays a key role in program development and implementation of procedures and processes associated with Radiation Protection Programs. This position applies radiation protection principles with the responsibility for integrating regulatory requirements and best practices with results from field observations into programmatic actions. They ensure that radiation dose to workers, members of the public, and to the environment is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).  

This is an International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) represented position.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

• Assist the Health Physics Manager in ensuring compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations by implementing and administering various aspects of the Radiation Protection Program.
• Conduct periodic health physics surveys, hazard assessments, and calculations, for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
• Evaluate radiation use requests to develop radiation use authorizations for all uses of radioactive material, X-ray machines, radiofrequency systems, optical/UV sources, and laser operations.
• Prepare technical survey reports to document whether the radiation source is being used safely, the radiation use authorization is effective, and regulatory requirements are being met.
• Collect, analyze, and report on the results associated with radiation exposure rates, contamination levels, and airborne radioactivity levels. 
• Ensure compliance with program and regulatory requirements for sealed and unsealed radioactive material, including inventory verifications, leak testing, storage, handling, and disposal.
• Ensure compliance with requirements for machine-producing radiation equipment, including state registrations, if applicable, and shielding verification surveys.
• Develop, update, and provide initial radiation safety and periodic training to radiation workers and ancillary staff.  Ensuring that all radiation workers have the appropriate level of radiation safety training and refresher training.
• Conduct quality assurance and control of analytical equipment operation and calibration.
• Facilitate the dosimetry program by ensuring radiation badge application criteria is being met and that the handling, distribution, and receipt of badges are performed according to established procedures. This includes interpreting radiation exposure data and ALARA review for all monitored employees.
• Provide radiation dose assessments for radiation incidents and assist with ALARA investigations.
• Prepare, pick up, and transport radiation sources and perform radioactive waste management, including decay in storage.

The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We Value You

• You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.
• You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.
• You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation. 
• You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful. 
• You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work.

Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of High school diploma.  
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in occupational health, physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in program development and implementation of processes and procedures for a Radiation Safety Program. 
• National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologist (NRRPT) certification or an equivalent level of training, education, and experience.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible for secret clearance.
• Ability to read, analyze, and develop technical reports utilizing mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Experience establishing radiation safety standards to ensure the health and safety of personnel who work with or who may be exposed to radiation either as a radiation worker or a member of the public.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Knowledge and experience with applicable regulations and standards, including Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State of Florida Administrative Code 64E-5, Department of Transportation, ANSI Z136.1, and IEEE C95.1. 
• Health physics experience at universities, academic medical, state/Federal regulatory environments, nuclear power, or the Department of Defense. 

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. May expose employee to industrial equipment and vehicles (i.e., boats, airboats, ATVs and possibly helicopters), facilities without climate controls, and outdoors settings in all weather conditions, possibly for extended period of times, and sometimes while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Work Environment: Work will mainly be performed in a hybrid setting, a combination of in the field and in an office setting; and occasionally with irregular hours.
• Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.