Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Evaluates radiological conditions in clinical and research laboratories to determine compliance with regulations and to assure that all radiation exposures are as low as reasonably achievable. Provides general guidance and recommendations to PI's and laboratory personnel for improving radiation safety.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Radiological Health, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or a related science, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years experience related to radiation protection or equivalency; be able to calculate exponential and logarithmic functions and convert scientific measurements to various systems of units; demonstrated human relations and communications skills; and the ability to work under stressful conditions required.

Care is appropriate to the population served

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. Evaluates a variety of clinical and research situations involving radioactive materials or other radiation sources to identify potential radiological problems.
2. Provides corrective information and guidance to laboratory personnel when regulatory requirements are not followed.
3. Performs radiation surveys and evaluates exposure levels, handling techniques, x-ray machine operation and fume hoods to assure adequate air flow.
4. Measures and records radioiodine activity in the thyroids of radioiodine users.
5. Prepares documentation of radiation use in order to validate compliance with state and federal regulations; generates printouts of data for evaluation of the waste path.
6. Instructs laboratory personnel in radiation protection procedures and functions as a resource for questions regarding radiation safety.
7. Monitors the practices of labs to assure that radioactive wastes are disposed of properly in compliance with DOT, and NRC and Utah regulations.
8. Surveys incoming and outgoing packages to assure safe transport, proper labeling and compliance with DOT, and NRC regulations.
9. Responds to accidents involving radiation.
10. Performs calibration of radiation instruments to assure accuracy of radiation measurements.
11. May be primarily responsible for a programmatic function which could include: decommissioning of radiation facilities, supervising a safety technician, developing training materials, scheduling and performing quality control reviews of dosimetry for individuals and of laboratory surveys, or monitoring and evaluating radioactive effluent.
12. Evaluates radiological conditions in clinical and research laboratories and takes action to prevent unnecessary radiation exposures.
13. Provides guidance and instruction to radiation users to assure compliance with pertinent regulations and good practice in the handling of radioactive materials.
14. Prepares detailed documentation of radiation measurements and evaluations and prepare summaries of specific radiation protection activities for the University's Radiation Safety Committee.
15. Provides scheduling, quality control review and guidance to other departmental personnel for one or more major programmatic areas in the radiation protection program.

Problem Solving

This position has authority to stop delivery of radioactive materials if improperly ordered. Responsibility is also given to halt work in a radioisotope laboratory if immediate decontamination is necessary, and to require biological specimens if needed for evaluation of radiation exposure. The incumbent may request the purchase of various radioactive waste managing supplies as needed. When acting as leadworker, may train lower-level workers and make duty assignments.

Comments

An individual in this position is required to perform professional work with minimal supervision. They are required to visit several radioisotope laboratories or other radiation facilities each day, with instruments for measuring radioactivity, exposure rates, hood air flow rates etc. This requires sensitivity and diplomacy when addressing fears and concerns about radiation as well as dealing firmly with carelessness and lack of concern for radiation safety.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.