RADIATION PHYSICIST 2

Definition

Under limited supervision of a Radiation Physicist 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Environmental Protection, conducts and assigns radiological surveys and inspections; performs standard and special laboratory procedures to evaluate environmental samples for radioactive concentration; conducts and leads 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 power electric generating stations; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts and assigns field surveys and inspections of radioactively contaminated sites to provide data required to evaluate site status and to be used in implementing site decontamination programs.
• Conducts and assigns field surveys and measurements during radiological emergencies to facilitate the assessment of environmental contamination and the recommendation of protective actions.
• Takes the lead in 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.
• Evaluates x-ray and radioactive material installations as to proper area posting, operating conditions, equipment use restrictions, exposure records, and adequacy of primary and secondary barriers.
• Instructs facility personnel and other interested groups in the proper installation and use of x-ray equipment.
• Leads and conducts evaluation of field and plant industrial x-ray radiographic units to determine compliance with statutes, codes, and safety practices.
• Develops, conducts and oversees chemical and/or physical procedures including utilizing sophisticated nuclear instrumentation on environmental samples to determine radioactive content.
• Monitor the operation and calibration of nuclear instrumentation used in evaluating radioactive content of environmental samples and in performing facility surveys to determine compliance with the New Jersey Radiation Protection Code.
• Leads and conducts evaluation of nonionizing source of radiation such as lasers, microwave towers, FM transmitters, and high voltage transmission lines to determine compliance with applicable codes, statutes, and safety practice.
• Assists in training 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 activities at radiation emergency incidents.
• Organizes data processing activities within the unit.
• Monitors and assigns personnel in the collection of samples, data, and other related facts needed to determine compliance with the New Jersey Radiation Protection Code.
• Takes the lead in special radiation source investigations to locate and identify radiation hazards using radiation detection instruments.
• Reviews shielding plans, and personnel exposure records maintenance by industry, professional people, hospitals, and other users of radioactive material or x-ray equipment, and makes recommendations for compliance with New Jersey Radiation Protection Code.
• Assigns and monitors work schedules for collection of air, water, soil, plant, foods, and animal life samples to determine cause and relationship of increases in low level radioactivity.
• Reviews applications and authorizes 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.
• Maintains essential records, reports, and files.
• May assist with administrative research and development projects and in promoting program objectives.
• Meets with supervisors and other people in various private or government agencies, and provides consultation and advise on the basic principles of radiological health protection.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information system 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

Three (3) years of 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 proper selection of film and darkroom procedures.
• 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 from diagnostic and therapeutic sources of radiation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply state and federal regulations concerning control of radiation and radioactive materials.
• Ability to operate nuclear detection instrumentation and field communications 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 assign, monitor and schedule personnel engaged in environmental monitoring and in surveying of 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 the 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 prepare clear, scientifically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for 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 members of 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.