Health Physicist (Radiation Safety)
Summary
Oversees radiation safety at a VA medical center, ensuring compliance with NRC rules, inspecting facilities, and managing radioactive material handling and personnel exposure records.
The Health Physicist (Radiation Safety Officer) reports to the Medical Center Assistant Director. Directs the managerial aspects of the Radiation Safety Program ensuring all procedures and regulatory requirements are in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules and regulations. Position plays the lead role in policy development for the organizations multicenter radiation safety program with technical and or expert assistance and support to other groups outside the organization.
Duties includes but are not limited to: Prepares correspondence, license amendments, applications and written communications required with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. Instructs personnel using sources of radioactive material annually. Provides instruction using sources of ionizing radiation concerning the ALARA program, safety procedures, and local policy and procedures. Investigates overexposures, ALARA exceptions, accidents, spills, thefts, unauthorized receipts, uses, transfers, disposals, medical events, and any other deviation from approved radiation safety practice and implement corrective actions. Inspects all facilities where radionuclides are used and stored as needed by not less than once each year for compliance with Federal regulations and local policy and procedures. Maintains inventory records and performs required surveys and wipe tests for all facilities and sources assigned to the Radiation Safety Office. Manages the timely distribution and collection of personnel monitors and maintains records of personnel exposure including accounting for all missing or lost badges. Maintains written records of all activities of the Radiation Safety Office/Officer. Provides radiation safety support for each clinical therapeutic case. Physical Requirements: The work involves a certain amount of strenuous activity associated with small work spaces to change radioactive material activated charcoal air flow filters, preparing radioactive materials waste in 55-gallon drums and the handling of such drums, lifting heavy boxes of liquid scintillation vials and other solid waste materials for disposal, as well as facility roof surveys via tall ladder and small space access for motor contamination prior to equipment maintenance. Work is divided approximately equally between sedentary desk work and walking, bending and climbing required to inspect laboratory and equipment installations. Some occasional crouching, stooping, reaching, and pushing of moderately heavy items such as carts may be required. Lifting up to 45 pounds in weight may occasionally be required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Physicist (Radiation Safety)/PD065360 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.