Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for major technical aspects of radiation protection at the University or at any locations which radiation sources are used under University auspices.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in health physics or related science/engineering or equivalency. Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required. Knowledge of the operation/calibration of radiation detection instrumentation and health physics principles and practices are necessary.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in health physics, or a related field; experience in an institutional radiation safety program and administrative experience; American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) certification; Board of Laser Safety (BLS) certification.

This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Works with various sources of radiation, both ionizing and non-ionizing.
2. Assesses the potential for radiation exposure to University employees and determines the necessary monitoring processes for the internal and/external exposures.
3. Reviews and evaluates measurements of external and internal radiation exposures and performs necessary calculations to convert the measurement data to absorbed organ doses or effective whole-body doses.
4. Ascertains whether doses received are as low as reasonably achievable and, if not, recommends control measures to minimize doses.
5. Prepares detailed procedures for the use of radiation detection equipment and for performing radiation measurements and surveys by department staff or other radiation users.
6. Establishes schedules for conducting surveys, bioassays, samplings and other evaluations for uses within the University.
7. Oversees and/or performs activities centered on radiation equipment and instrumentation, such as evaluating and selecting equipment and instrumentation to be purchased; calibrating equipment; preparing documentation assuring proper functioning by performing maintenance or arranging for needed repairs and maintenance; instructing technicians in equipment use.
8. Assures the availability of appropriate radiation sources and other standards for calibration of equipment.
9. Develops or updates procedures for radiation safety functions such as classification, segregation, collection, packaging shipment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
10. Assures that all aspects of the radiation safety program comply with federal and state regulations.
11. Identifies and evaluates all potential radioactive effluents with University facilities and assures adequate monitoring and documentation.
12. Performs leak tests of sealed radioactive sources and conducts regular inspections and surveys of radiation- producing machines and facilities.
13. Participates in various University radiation safety committees and in related professional societies.
14. Plans and conducts orientation and training courses in radiation safety and/or radioisotope techniques.
15. Performs some supervisory duties such as assigning work, instructing and training personnel and evaluating performance.
16. Provides technical assistance and advice in the field of radiation safety to state agencies.
17. May supervise all departmental employees and be delegated to act as a designee for University’s Radiation Safety Officer in the absence of the Radiation Safety Officer.

Problem Solving

The incumbent provides independent evaluation and management of the equipment, procedures, calculations, and quality assurance for the radiation measurements and exposure evaluations performed by departmental employees and other users. This position provides independent professional opinions and advice to faculty and staff on regulatory requirements and good practices for radiation safety.

Representative challenges encountered by the incumbent include evaluating potential problems to patients or staff members as a result of exposure to radiation sources and making shielding procedural recommendations to control such exposures. This includes coordination with state officials and outside contractors to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies. The incumbent assists departments in the use of radiation equipment by preparing the licensing applications, supervising installation of equipment, and training personnel in the use of equipment.

Comments

Incumbents face the potential exposure to radiation and other contaminants as part of their job.