Radiation Protection Specialist I (EHM I)

State of South Carolina • Richland County, SC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Radiation Protection Specialist I performs entry-level regulatory and compliance duties in the Bureau of Land and Waste Management's Radiation Protection Program, Division of Electronic Products. The role helps protect public health and safety by conducting investigations, inspections, and enforcement duties at x-ray facilities to determine compliance with R.61-64. Work includes responding to inquiries about ionizing radiation, inspecting x-ray units and related devices, tracking corrective actions after inspections, and assisting Radiation Protection Specialists II and III with more complex inspections of facilities that use electronically produced radiation. On-the-job training is provided. The posting is intended to fill two vacancies, and qualified applicants will be considered for both listed positions.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED and experience in environmental health programs or radiological health; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering, or a related technical field may substitute for the required work experience.
• Degrees used to meet the technical-field qualification must be from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines.
• Ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles.
• Strong written and oral communication, mathematical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive written communications, including inspection reports, emails, and other documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, x-ray facility professionals, government officials, and the public.
• Ability to communicate inspection findings and cite violations clearly to management and facility personnel.
• Ability to serve on the Department's Emergency Response Team, including duty and/or on-call responsibilities around the clock during emergencies.
• Willingness to work days that may exceed normal working hours as required.
• Ability to travel from Central Office to facilities throughout the state; some overnight travel is required.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health.
• Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge and understanding of radiation protection principles and health physics practices.
• Knowledge of and experience using radiation measurement instrumentation.
• Experience working in a regulatory environment conducting inspections.

Responsibilities

• Inspect x-ray equipment in dental, medical, hospital, industrial, academic, and other facilities.
• Survey and determine possible radiation exposures to employees or the public and recommend necessary corrections.
• Prepare reports describing inspection findings and regulatory noncompliance.
• Ensure inspection information is accurate in the agency's facility information system and scan or upload inspection documents to electronic storage.
• Consult with end users, applicants, and vendors about regulatory interpretation and radiation safety problems involving electronically produced radiation.
• Respond to inquiries about all aspects of ionizing radiation.
• Assist in collecting required fees and with enforcement actions involving x-ray facilities.
• Attend and participate in radiation protection seminars, conferences, and training courses.
• Assist Radiation Protection Specialists II and III with more complex inspections.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• 30 total days of leave per year, comprising 15 days of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees and eligible family members
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement benefit choices through the State Retirement Plan or State Optional Retirement Program
• South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program availability
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Remote work option of two days per week after one year of employment, based on job functions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED