Health Physicist

Summary

Job Category:
Occupational Safety/Environmental Health
Job Title:
Health Physicist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers occupational and environmental health and safety programs to protect the University community and comply with governmental regulations/standards and University policies. Functions may include planning, developing, implementing, overseeing, evaluating, maintaining, and promoting occupational and environmental health and safety programs.
Job Title Definition:
The Health Physicist develops, implements, and oversees the radiation protection program involving radioactive materials, x-ray devices, and/or non-ionizing radiation, including lasers, and, where applicable, performs duties that support goals and objectives to provide quality patient care and patient satisfaction; program elements include dosimetry, environmental assessment, instrumentation, inventory control, record keeping, surveys, training, transportation, and waste management; complies with state and federal regulations through interpretation of regulatory criteria, changes thereto, auditing, oversight, and interfacing with regulatory agencies to achieve desired outcomes; provides guidance and recommendations to faculty, staff, students, and/or patients to assure that experimental work, equipment, design, or medical procedures conform to radiation safety standards for protection of personnel, patients, public, and the environment; initiates investigations for program compliance in response to reports of non-compliance or concerns; responds to emergencies; determine scope of incidents; provide support to emergency response personnel and public authorities; make recommendations for methods of dealing with radiological hazards; recommend proper response procedures; and report to appropriate agencies as needed; works collaboratively with the Radiation Safety Officer; serves on University, professional, and/or governmental technical advisory groups; may act as delegate Radiation Safety Officer when necessary; may have supervisory responsibilities of other staff positions. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance, required
40 hr Hazwoper training may be required
Depending on the specific position held, a valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required.

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0101 G Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a Science, Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance is required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform routine audits of radioisotope, sealed source, analytical x-ray, and laser user facilities
  • Perform routine radiation and contamination surveys
  • Collect, handle, and transport radioactive waste material, including the preparation of such material for shipment, burial, incineration, or storage
  • Maintain inventory of all radioactive material received by or transferred from the University or medical center
  • Resolve routine issues and employee concerns
  • Provide basic advice to faculty, staff and students regarding radiation safety policies, programs, and regulatory compliance

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0102 H Non-Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a Science, Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance is required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; CDL with Hazmat endorsement may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform audits of radioisotope, sealed source, analytical x-ray, and/or laser user facilities
  • Perform radiation and contamination surveys
  • Collect, handle, and transport radioactive waste material, including the preparation of such material for shipment, burial, incineration, or storage
  • Maintain inventory of all radioactive material received by or transferred from the University or medical center
  • Assist in performing diagnostic x-ray surveys and inspections
  • Resolve non-routine issues and employee concerns; provide advice to faculty, staff and students regarding radiation safety policies, programs, and regulatory compliance
  • Calibrate and maintain radiological monitoring and analytical equipment
  • Determine and implement proper packaging, shielding, and labeling in compliance with radioactive material shipping regulations
  • Collect, prepare and analyze air, water, and other samples for radiological analysis and determine permissible release levels
  • Implement specific components of the radiation protection program such as dosimetry, waste, bioassays, etc.

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0103 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

3+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a Science, Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance is required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; Professional certifications may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Direct the day-to-day implementation and maintenance of limited aspects of the radiation safety program to ensure compliance with state, federal and University regulations
  • Coordinate and provide ongoing radiation safety training to faculty, staff, and students
  • Provide technical advice and guidance to faculty, staff and students on radiation safety issues including best practices, policies, and regulations
  • Perform diagnostic x-ray surveys and inspections
  • Prepare reports and forms as required by state and federal agencies and University policies
  • Investigate incidents, safety concerns, reports of higher than normal radiation exposures and initiate corrective actions
  • Lead internal project teams in the development and implementation of ionizing and non-ionizing safety policies, programs, or process changes that may have an impact on the organizational unit
  • Direct Emergency Physician/medical personnel in the proper handling of radiation accident victims

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0104 K Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a Science, Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance is required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; Professional certifications may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Oversee and coordinate the implementation of specific aspects of the radiation safety program to ensure compliance with state, federal and University regulations
  • Supervise daily operations of work group by reviewing and approving staff assignments
  • Develop and implement radiation safety training programs
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures in compliance with University policy and state and federal regulations
  • Establish criteria and implement quality assurance procedures for laboratory measurements and analysis
  • Determine risks and perform specialized surveys to evaluate non-routine ionizing and non-ionizing radiation hazards
  • Assist or direct any emergency operation involving radioactive materials
  • Provide technical advice and consultation to supervisors, department heads, and managers regarding ionizing and non-ionizing radiation practices, procedures, policies, and regulations
  • Review and prepare state and federal required reports
  • Prepare state and federal license applications
  • Evaluate performance of assigned employees and make recommendations for professional development
  • Provide leadership in the development and achievement of organizational unit objectives
  • Serve on University, governmental, and professional technical advisory groups
  • Analyze and research data, assist with and/or write research papers, and present findings at scientific and professional meetings

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCEN0105 L Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

7+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a Science, Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
Trustworthy and Reliable per Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection guidance is required; 40 hr Hazwoper training may be required; Professional certifications may be required; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required

Typical Work Duties
  • Manage all aspects of a comprehensive radiation protection program
  • Initiate the change processes to enhance alignment of organizational strategic goals and organizational effectiveness by facilitating changes in norms, values, and culture of the organizational unit and/or the University
  • Partner with management to identify and assess the causes of employee safety, environmental and health issues as well as making recommendations to reduce or eliminate those causes
  • Advise supervisors, managers, and department heads on complex radiological safety issues
  • Lead project teams in the development and implementation of safety, environmental and health policies, programs, or process changes that impact the organizational unit and/or the University
  • Make recommendations for budget management and strategic planning initiatives
  • Provide proactive analyses of complex data in support of strategic programs and recommendations
  • Provide support in the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of organizational unit operations
  • Provide initiative and leadership in the development and achievement of organizational unit objectives
  • Provide supervision and mentoring to assigned employees
  • Evaluate performance of assigned employees and make recommendations for professional development opportunities
  • Represent the organizational unit or University with local, state, national, or international organizations, committees or task forces

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.