RADIATION PHYSICIST 3

Definition

Under general supervision of a higher level supervisor in the Department of Environmental Protection, supervises, organizes and coordinates radiological surveys and inspections; organizes and supervises laboratory procedures to evaluate environmental samples for radioactive concentration; organizes and supervises environmental sampling and quality assurance associated with radioactively contaminated site decommissioning and environmental sampling associated with radiological assessment of accidents involving radioactive materials and nuclear electric generating stations; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Supervises and assigns surveys and inspections of radioactively contaminated sites to provide data required to evaluate site status and to be used in implementing site decontamination programs.
• Coordinates and supervises field surveys and measurements during radiological emergencies to facilitate assessment of environmental contamination and the recommendation of protective actions.
• Coordinates and supervises field surveys and inspections of industrial plants, hospitals, clinics, dental and physicians' offices, and other places in the state using radioactive materials and/or x-ray equipment.
• Supervises the evaluation of x-ray and radioactive material installations as to proper area posting, operating conditions, equipment use restrictions, exposure records, adequacy of primary and secondary barriers.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Prepares budgetary requests for effective operation of the functional program element.
• Prepares exhibits to be used in court proceedings and acts as a witness in court.
• Prepares scientific papers for publication; participates in scientific meetings and conferences, and serves on scientific committees.
• Meets with supervisors and other people in various private or government agencies and provides consultation and advice on basic principles of radiological health protection.
• Establishes and evaluates standard procedures for chemical and/or physical and instrumental analysis and interpretation of these analysis.
• Supervises work regarding nonionizing sources of radiation including lasers, microwave towers, FM transmitters and high voltage transmission lines to determine compliance with applicable codes, statutes, and safety practices.
• Prepares and conducts educational programs for personnel and other interested groups in proper installation and use of x-ray equipment.
• Develops and implements chemical and/or physical procedures including analysis of environmental samples to determine radioactive content.
• Supervises the operation and calibration of nuclear instrumentation used in evaluating the radioactive content of environmental samples used in performing facility surveys to determine compliance with the New Jersey Radiation Protection Code.
• Trains personnel in established operating and safety procedures, field and laboratory analysis.
• As a member of the Radiation Emergency Response Team is available twenty-four (24) hours a day to respond to and coordinate emergency activities at radiation incidents.
• Develops and implements quality assurance programs to evaluate and ensure accuracy and precision of analytical methods.
• May evaluate and approve data processing methods within the program.
• Evaluates findings and determines compliance or noncompliance with established laws, rules, and regulations.
• Directs special radiation source investigations to locate and identify radiation hazards.
• Reviews and approves or disapproves shielding plans, and personnel exposure records maintained by industry, professional people, hospitals, and other users of radioactive material or x-ray equipment, for compliance with New Jersey Radiation Protection Codes.
• Supervises the collection of air, water, soil, plant, foods and animal life samples to determine cause and relationship of increases in low level radioactivity.
• Supervises review of applications and authorization of transportation of radioactive material in the state.
• Prepares technical correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of radiation matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Supervises establishment and maintenance of records and performs administrative research and development projects required to support program objectives.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Radiologic Technology, Radiation Science or Environmental Sciences, which includes sixteen (16) semester credit hours in any combination of the following lab-based courses: physics, chemistry, biology or medical imaging.

Experience

Four (4) years of technical experience in the field of radiological health.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of radiological research methods, radiological evaluation techniques, and of methodology of technical analyses.
• Knowledge of general biological effects of radiation.
• Knowledge of hazards associated with radiation and radioactivity.
• Knowledge of standard procedures used to perform laboratory and field evaluations.
• Knowledge of film selection and darkroom procedures.
• Knowledge of current radiation detection and measurement instrumentation.
• Knowledge of proper radiological safety design of buildings, laboratories, and equipment.
• Knowledge of methods used in handling radioactive materials and in disposing of radioactive waste products.
• Knowledge of methods of preventing radiation accidents.
• Knowledge of the safe use and transportation of radioactive materials.
• Knowledge of techniques to minimize radiation exposure to the patient, handler, or operator of diagnostic and therapeutic sources of radiation.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply state and federal regulations dealing with the control of radiation and radioactive materials.
• Ability to operate nuclear detection instrumentation and communication equipment.
• Ability to carry field equipment.
• Ability to perform involved analytical procedures using sophisticated laboratory and field equipment.
• Ability to use personal safety equipment including gas masks, self-contained breathing equipment and other related devices.
• Ability to supervise and schedule assigned personnel engaged in environmental monitoring and in surveying radiation facilities for the purpose of determining hazards and establishing controls and regulations for the prevention of radiation injuries.
• Ability to develop and prepare educational materials dealing with hazards, methods of control, and proper handling of radioactive materials and equipment.
• Ability to prepare extensive correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to assign and instruct subordinate employees and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to prepare clear, scientifically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for the control or elimination of various types of radiological health hazards.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to prepare and present technically accurate evidence for use in legal actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with government, industry, and private organizations on radiological matters.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in one of the above fields may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

A Doctorate in one of the above fields may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.