Radiation Protection Specialist I (EHM I)

Full Job Description

Under direct supervision, the Radiation Protection Specialist I will perform entry level duties associated with investigations, inspections, and enforcement of x-ray facilities to determine compliance with R.61-64.

Provide information to inquires made regarding ionizing radiation.

Perform duties associated with routine inspections of x-ray units and other devices to determine compliance with radiation standards, track post-inspections to determine compliance, and assist Radiation Protection Specialists II and III with complex inspections of facilities using sources of electronically produced radiation.

Job Responsibilities:

• Inspect x-ray equipment in dental facilities, medical facilities, hospitals, industrial facilities, academic institutions, and other x-ray facilities. Survey and determine possible radiation exposures to employees or the general public and make recommendations for necessary corrections.
• Prepare reports outlining findings and items of noncompliance with regulations. Ensure information regarding inspections is accurate and entered into the agency's facility information system and inspection documents are scanned/uploaded to the electronic storage system.

Consult with end users, applicants, and vendors of sources of electronically produced radiation concerning regulation interpretation and radiation safety problems.

Provide information to inquiries regarding all aspects of ionizing radiation. Assist in collecting required fees and assist with enforcement actions involving x-ray facilities.

• Attend and participate in seminars, conferences, and training courses on radiation protection.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and experience in environmental health programs or radiological health.
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or a related technical field may be substituted for the required work experience.

Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, etc.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have valid state driver’s license, and ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicle.

• Good written and oral communication skills, mathematical skills, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written communication, including but not limited to inspection reports, email correspondence, etc.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, x-ray facility professionals, government officials, and the general public.

• Ability to clearly relay inspection results, including citation of violations, to management and facility personnel.

• Serves and participates as a member of the Department's Emergency Response Team subject to duty and/or on call on a 24-hour basis during an emergency.

• Some overnight travel is required, and workdays may exceed normal working hours.

• Employee will travel from Central office to x-ray facilities throughout the State.

• Selected candidate must possess the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

• The work environment will include dental facilities, medical facilities, veterinary settings, hospitals, industrial facilities, etc.

• Employee will be assigned a personnel monitoring badge to track radiation dose.

• Employee will utilize owned vehicles and inspection equipment.

• Employee will use various instruments weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Subject to radiological and industrial hazard.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science in Public Health.
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical field.
• A working knowledge and understanding of radiation protection principles and health physics practices.

Additional Information

SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
• Remote Work: The option to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions.

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.