Health Physics Specialist
About The Position
Herndon Solutions Group (HSG) is hiring a Health Physics Specialist to support radiation protection programs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Under the guidance of the Health Physics Manager, the specialist helps develop and implement procedures and processes for Radiation Protection Programs. The role applies radiation protection principles, incorporates regulatory requirements and best practices with field observations, and supports programmatic actions. The specialist helps ensure radiation doses to workers, members of the public, and the environment are as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), and that operations meet program and regulatory requirements. This is an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)-represented position. The position involves radiation surveys and hazard assessments, authorizations and compliance for radiation sources and equipment, technical reporting, sampling and measurements, radiation safety training, equipment quality assurance, dosimetry program support, dose assessments, and radioactive waste management. Work is mainly hybrid, combining field and office settings, with occasional irregular hours and low to moderate travel away from the office.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent minimum education.
- At least five years of experience in occupational health, physics, or a closely related field.
- Experience developing and implementing programs, processes, and procedures for a Radiation Safety Program.
- NRRPT certification or an equivalent level of training, education, and experience.
- Valid driver's license and eligibility for secret clearance.
- Ability to read, analyze, and develop technical reports using mathematical and statistical analysis.
- Experience establishing radiation safety standards to protect personnel who work with or may be exposed to radiation, including radiation workers and members of the public.
- Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers.
- Ability to adapt to new ideas, innovations, and changing environments or situations.
- Ability to maintain high standards and support quality work.
- Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including extended periods of walking, sitting, or standing; reaching, balancing, stooping, talking, and hearing; operating office equipment; and occasionally moving or lifting up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.
- Ability to work in field and office settings, potentially in outdoor environments and all weather conditions, around industrial equipment and vehicles, and sometimes while wearing PPE.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor of Science degree.
- Knowledge and experience with applicable regulations and standards, including the 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 institutions, state or Federal regulatory environments, nuclear power, or the Department of Defense.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Health Physics Manager with compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations by implementing and administering aspects of the Radiation Protection Program.
- Conduct periodic health physics surveys, hazard assessments, and calculations for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation operations.
- Evaluate radiation use requests and develop Radiation Use Authorizations for radioactive materials, X-ray machines, radiofrequency systems, optical/UV sources, and laser operations.
- Prepare technical survey reports documenting operational conditions, safe use of radiation sources, compliance with Radiation Use Authorization provisions, and regulatory requirements.
- Collect and analyze samples, perform measurements, and report results concerning radiation exposure rates, contamination levels, and airborne radioactivity levels.
- Ensure compliance requirements are met for sealed and unsealed radioactive material, including inventory verification, leak testing, storage, handling, and disposal.
- Ensure compliance requirements are met for machine-producing radiation equipment, including applicable state registrations and shielding verification surveys.
- Develop, update, and provide initial and periodic radiation safety training to radiation workers and ancillary staff; ensure workers receive appropriate training and refresher training.
- Perform quality assurance and control for analytical equipment operation and calibration.
- Facilitate the dosimetry program by ensuring radiation badge application criteria are met and badge handling, distribution, and receipt follow established procedures; interpret radiation exposure data and conduct ALARA reviews for 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.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
