Radiation Health Physicist 2

Opens:        October 30, 2009

Closes:        Open Until Filled

NOTE:  Applicant review begins November 13, 2009.  The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.

There is currently one opening for a Radiation Health Physicist 2 within the Division of Environmental Health, Office of Radiation Protection, X-Ray Section; located in Tumwater, Washington.  This recruitment may be used to fill other Radiation Health Physicist 2 vacancies as they occur statewide.  To learn more about the Division of Environmental Health, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/default.htm and the Office of Radiation Protection visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/rp/default.htm.

Primary Duties

This position, as part of the Office of Radiation Protection, works to protect and improve the health of the people in Washington State.  This position contributes to the mission by conducting radiological health assessments of X-ray facilities within the X-Ray Section.  The primary duties of this Radiation Health Physicist 2 include:

• Independently performs radiological health assessments on multiple types of X-ray facilities.  The assessments include using personal interviews, machine measurements, and calculations to analyze and assess radiation exposure to humans.  Works creatively with the facility to reduce patient exposure while maintaining adequate diagnostic image quality.

• Explains to registrants and other interested persons the applicable statutes, administrative rules, and policies related to radiation safety, technical best practices, and generally provides technical assistance on radiation safety and X-ray device related topics. 

• Evaluates mammography facilities and documents MQSA surveys per FDA protocol in designated geographical area.

• Investigates incidents or accidents involving X-ray devices to determine root cause(s) and needed corrective action.

• Serves as a member of the Office’s radiation emergency response team.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in physical science, engineering, or biological science.

• Three (3) or more years of radiation experience of which two (2) or more years must have been in an official radiation control program.

Desired Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Radiological Health, Radiation Safety, Health Physics, or closely related field, and 1 year of experience in an official radiation control program.

• Experience in the regulation, use, or maintenance of medical X-ray machines.  Specific areas of interest include fluoroscopy and computed tomography.

• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; skilled means a basic competency level for these programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Willing and able to work more than 40 hours per week, on occasion to perform the core functions of the position.

• Willing and able to work in areas where radiation or radioactive materials may be present.

• Willing and able to travel with or without accommodation throughout the state to perform the essential functions of the position.

Application Process

Individuals interested in applying for this position should visit the complete job announcement at http://www.doh.wa.gov/job_ann/DOH943.doc for more information and instructions on how to apply.