JOB TITLE: RADIATION HEALTH PHYSICIST TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 14300

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Radiation Health Physicist job series describes work in the monitoring and control of radiological health hazards.

DEFINITION: This is structured and specialized trainee work in the monitoring and control of radiological health hazards in the field of radiation protection in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this job participates in formal training sessions and on-the-job assignments to develop professional proficiency in inspecting radiation-producing equipment and radioactive materials programs to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing radiation protection. As training progresses, employees will participate in assignments of greater difficulty and complexity. Work is performed in a regional radiation protection program or in the central office under the technical guidance of a higher-level radiation health physicist or supervisor. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for professional development, attainment of objectives, completeness, technical accuracy, and overall quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in classroom and on-the-job training programs in radiation health physics.

• Assists with reviewing specific and general applications for x-ray facilities and small quantity radioisotope use licenses, such as those for private practitioners, clinics, small hospitals, and small industrial users, to determine radiation shielding or dosage, and ensure compliance with relevant rules and regulations.

• Assists with reviewing licensee-submitted decommissioning plans, final status survey reports, and decommissioning cost estimates.

• Uses and interprets calculations and theories to determine minimum detectable activities, instrument efficiencies, release criteria, and accurate cost estimates.

• Researches files and case history to assist in gathering data for use in the facilitation of decommissioning or license amendments.

• Assists with testing, calibrating, and performing routine maintenance on mechanical and electronic equipment used for radiation detection and environmental sampling.

• Assists in conducting inspections of radiation-producing equipment and radioactive materials programs in medical and industrial settings for compliance with program requirements.

• Collects samples of surface water, air particulates, precipitation, milk, fish, sediment, soil, and vegetation, and prepares and sends samples to environmental laboratories for radioisotopic analysis.

• Reviews environmental laboratory analytical results and prepares portions of reports and findings.

• Participates in inspections of individuals or firms that perform radon mitigation work or test for the presence and concentration of radon to determine compliance with regulations and certification requirements.

• Performs dosimeter readout and analysis using standard operating procedures.

• Assists in determining or estimating operator exposure, patient skin entrance exposure and restricted or unrestricted area exposure.

• Assists in preparing reports to document the results of inspections and make recommendations on compliance issues.

• Participates as a member of a radiation emergency response team during incidents and exercises.

• Participates in preparing letters, memorandums, and correspondence to exchange information with facility owners, registrants, licensees, governmental officials, or the public.

• Assists in making presentations to scientific and technical organizations and at public meetings concerning issues related to radon and radiation protection.

• Travels to and attends enforcement conferences to provide background data on cases, answer questions regarding cases, and assist in explaining departmental or consent orders and agreements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of radiation health physics.

• Knowledge of the biological, chemical, and physical sciences related to radiation protection and health physics.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the collection and analysis of radioactive surveys and radiological data.

• Knowledge of radiation protection principles and practices related to the recognition, control, and elimination of radiation hazards, including radon problems.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the evaluation of radiation exposure.

• Knowledge of radioactive waste disposal techniques and procedures.

• Knowledge of the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance required for radiation detection and environmental sampling equipment.

• Knowledge of radiation emergency response procedures.

• Ability to read and comprehend written materials such as laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to conduct onsite surveys, safety inspections, and investigations of facilities and radiation producing equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret data from meters and other measuring devices.

• Ability to prepare and interpret data presented in graphs, tables, charts, and narrative formats.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor's degree in health physics, radiation physics, radiation biology, nuclear physics, or applied health physics;

or

• A bachelor's degree with major course work in the physical, biological, or radiological sciences or in nuclear engineering that includes 20 college credits in health physics or radiological sciences;

or

• Two years of technical work experience in the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiation hazards and an associate degree in radiation physics or a related field;

or

• Four years of technical work experience in the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiation hazards and 20 college credits in health physics or radiological sciences;

or

• Possession of a certificate of registration issued by the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active Class C motor vehicle license.