Radiation Control Investigator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

5d•$61,184 - $99,658•Onsite

About The Position

The Radiation Control Investigator performs complex, journey-level health physics and radiation-control work to ensure compliance with radiation safety, environmental, and public health laws. The position conducts and oversees inspections, environmental assessments, and investigations involving facilities and devices that use or produce radiation. It evaluates incident and complaint reports, assesses radiological risks and exposures, coordinates mitigation and decontamination oversight, and prepares technical findings and reports. The investigator may lead teams and projects, coordinate with state and federal agencies and other stakeholders, provide technical assistance, participate in emergency response activities, and serve as a technical spokesperson during radiological events. The role also contributes to enforcement actions, rulemaking discussions, hearings, and court proceedings. Work is performed under general direction, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based in Austin, is not eligible for telework, and may require travel up to 75%.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health physics, nuclear or environmental engineering, environmental or natural sciences, chemistry, or a related field; four years of experience may be substituted for education at the hiring manager’s discretion.
Knowledge of radiation-control, radiological-health, and environmental laws and regulations, radiation safety practices, and Texas and federal radiation-control requirements.
Knowledge of radioactive-material, X-ray, accelerator, and nonionizing-radiation uses, radiation characteristics, and biological effects of radiation.
Knowledge of internal and external radiation-dose calculations, including annual limits of intake (ALI) and derived air concentrations (DAC).
Knowledge of radiation-detection and analytical equipment, investigative practices, and relevant agency roles and authorities.
Skill in using, operating, maintaining, and calibrating radiation-detection, monitoring, measurement, and analytical instruments.
Skill in collecting environmental samples, using radiological computer applications and research techniques, and using advanced computer models such as RESRAD, Stampede, and RASCAL.
Skill in leading radiological incident and complaint investigations, interviewing individuals, analyzing radiation data, and communicating technical information orally and in writing.
Ability to interpret radiation-shielding designs, radiological and statistical data, laws, and regulations, and to apply health-physics and scientific principles.
Ability to detect and evaluate radiation hazards, conduct inspections and surveys of radioactive-material licenses and radiation-producing-machine registrations, and analyze environmental samples.
Ability to perform internal-dose calculations using biological models, ALIs, or DACs.
Ability to make independent decisions and recommendations concerning radiological hazards, risk assessments, mitigation, and protective actions.
Ability to prepare concise, accurate technical reports and evaluate information in reports and documents.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and plan, design, oversee, and coordinate radiation-control projects.
Registration, licensure, or certification requirements: N/A.

Responsibilities

Oversee and coordinate complex environmental assessments and radiological investigations to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Plan and conduct inspections and investigations of X-ray equipment, nonionizing radiation devices, and facilities where radioactive materials are used or stored.
Lead investigation teams, prepare reports of findings, and review incident and complaint reports to ensure appropriate mitigation and resolution of radiation-safety issues.
Assign, coordinate, and lead investigations of incidents and complaints reported by licensees, registrants, the public, and government agencies.
Conduct risk assessments and calculate radiation doses and effects using statistical, environmental, and exposure data.
Prepare advanced technical reports, correspondence, environmental assessments, incident summaries, and technical presentations.
Review incident data and determine whether investigations are complete and whether information is adequate for closure and compliance notices.
Participate in escalated enforcement actions, recommend enforcement measures, assist with administrative penalty actions, coordinate technical reviews with legal staff, and provide testimony in hearings and court cases.
Coordinate and perform inspections of specialized licensed and registered facilities and radiation-source uses, including industrial irradiators, accelerators, nuclear pharmacies, decontamination services, and radioactive-material processors.
Provide technical assistance and advice to facility management, the public, and other interested groups on radiation laws, regulations, and safety.
Coordinate with other state and federal agencies, department personnel, and stakeholders on radiation-control, security, emergency, and environmental issues.
Participate in radiological emergency response, disaster response and recovery, continuity-of-operations activities, drills, and events; assignments may require an alternate shift or location.
Research and review environmental and radiological health documentation, incident databases, and technical information to identify trends that may affect regulations or regulatory processes.
Comment on proposed radiation regulations and participate in rulemaking discussions.
May supervise, plan, assign, and direct the work of others.