Physical Science Technician (Health Physics)

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

The incumbent serves as a Health Physics Technician and subject matter expert (SME) on a Technical Support Group (TSG) in the Contingency Operations Department (OICO) with primary duties including CBRN Force Protection, Hazardous materials shipping and handling and maintenance of operational or prototype/RDT&E (Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation) CBRN equipment.

You may qualify at the GS-11, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A.

For the GS-11 grade level: I have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-9) or equivalent in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector).

Specialized Experienced is defined as: Applying radiological health physics and safety principles, practices, regulations, procedures, methods, techniques, and standards and emerging practices and methods.

Applying principles involving the capabilities, limitations, operations, design characteristics and in the functional use of a wide variety of types and models of health physics equipment and systems.

You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A.

For the GS-11 grade level: I have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-11) or equivalent in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector).

Specialized Experienced is defined as: Applying radiological health physics and safety principles, practices, regulations, procedures, methods, techniques, and standards and emerging practices and methods while working with regulated radioactive sources.

Managing and applying principles involving the capabilities, limitations, operations, design characteristics and in the functional use of a wide variety of types and models of health physics equipment and systems.

Administering a radiological safety program which supports the organization's acquisition, storage, transportation and use of radioactive sources.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1311 series.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents.

Major Duties:

As a Physical Science Technician (Health Physics) at the GS-1311-11/12 some of your typical work assignments may include: Participate as a member of the Technical Support Group (TSG) to deploy in support of Combatant Commander and other federal D/As in WMD emergency response events and training.

Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive Radiation Safety Program for the Technical Support Group (TSG) in an effort to monitor and reduce the levels of radiation exposure with emphasis on the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) philosophy.

Provide initial education and training to new employees regarding safety procedures for all personnel using radioactive materials and continuous training to clients and existing employees.

Monitor the exposure levels of all employees working with radioactive materials: monitors all purchase of radioactive materials.

Independently survey and evaluate all areas using ionizing radiation for proper security, shielding, use and ventilation; prepares new license applications and amends existing licensure when necessary.

Responsible for the TSG Radiation Safety Program, Hazardous Materials shipping program and all aspects of Health Physics and Radiation Control for the TSG.

Responsible for all shipping and receiving functions, which includes hazardous materials.