Senior Health Physicist – Radiation Safety Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Tennessee.

📋 Description

• Design, implement, manage, and enhance radiation protection programs continuously.

• Act as the designated Radiation Safety Officer for programs involving licensed radioactive materials.

• Sustain radiation protection policies, procedures, operational practices, authorizations, licenses, permits, and records.

• Execute programs in compliance with NRC, Agreement State, DOE, DOT, EPA, OSHA, and specific client requirements.

• Conduct internal audits, program evaluations, and readiness assessments.

• Offer technical advice for radiological characterization, surveys, and assessments.

• Assist in environmental remediation, decommissioning, radioactive waste management, and site investigation projects.

• Carry out dose assessments, shielding evaluations, exposure modeling, and risk analyses.

• Review and authorize radiological work plans, health and safety plans, and technical reports.

• Assess radiological hazards and establish controls.

• Lead the planning, execution, and closure of Final Status Surveys.

• Manage teams conducting Final Status Surveys and coordinate survey activities across various facilities, structures, systems, and land areas.

• Create project schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and resource forecasts.

• Develop and review Final Status Survey Plans and associated survey packages.

• Direct activities related to survey unit classification and characterization.

• Establish survey methodologies, instrumentation needs, scan coverage, and sampling strategies using MARSSIM.

• Determine sample sizes, decision error rates, statistical evaluation requirements, and compliance demonstration methods.

• Supervise the collection, validation, verification, and management of radiological survey data.

• Review survey data packages for completeness and technical accuracy.

• Oversee statistical evaluations and assess compliance with DCGLs and release criteria.

• Ensure thorough documentation and traceability of survey activities.

• Interact with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, and enforcement actions.

• Prepare and submit regulatory reports and notifications.

• Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary program modifications.

• Manage occupational dose monitoring, personnel dosimetry, and relevant bioassay programs.

• Investigate radiological incidents, unusual occurrences, and exposure events.

• Develop and provide radiation safety training.

• Maintain records of qualifications and training.

• Conduct radiological surveys, contamination assessments, and field inspections.

• Oversee radiological remediation, waste packaging, transportation, and disposal activities.

• Support emergency response initiatives involving radioactive materials.

• Evaluate and authorize radiological work permits and exposure controls.

• Mentor junior health physicists, industrial hygienists, and environmental professionals.

• Assist with business development, technical proposals, and client presentations.

• Act as the technical lead or project manager on radiological projects.

• Engage in professional organizations and maintain relevant professional certifications.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics or a related discipline.

• Certification in Comprehensive Health Physics by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP).

• Qualification to serve as Radiation Safety Officer under applicable NRC or Agreement State regulations.

• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in health physics, radiation protection, radiological engineering, and/or radiation safety.

• Minimum 10 years of experience implementing and overseeing NRC, DOE, and/or DoD Radiation Protection programs in adherence to 10 CFR 835.

• At least 10 years of experience in external and internal dosimetry programs.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in radiological decommissioning, remediation, and/or waste management programs.

• At least 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and documenting Verification/Final Status Surveys for unrestricted release of buildings and land.

• Proficiency in using RESRAD and MicroShield computer codes.

• Experience with MARSSIM implementation and statistical evaluation of laboratory and field radiological analysis results.

• Background in addressing agency comments and aiding in the approval of plans, procedures, applications, and technical submissions.

• Familiarity with business development, interpreting RFP language, and writing proposals.

• In-depth knowledge of radiation physics and instrumentation.

• Comprehensive understanding of internal and external dosimetry.

• Knowledge of radiation protection principles and practices.

• Familiarity with radioactive waste management and disposal processes.

• Understanding of radiological characterization and decontamination methods.

• Knowledge of radioactive material transportation regulations.

• Familiarity with environmental monitoring and sampling techniques.

• Understanding of ALARA program implementation.

• Knowledge of emergency response and incident investigation protocols.

• Proficient understanding of NRC regulations, Agreement State regulations, DOE Orders, DOT hazardous materials regulations, EPA requirements, OSHA standards, MARSSIM, and related guidance.

• Strong technical writing and report preparation capabilities.

• Excellent communication skills with clients and regulators.

• Leadership and personnel management abilities.

• Skills in project management and budgeting.

• Experience in proposal development and supporting business development initiatives.

• Capability to perform field inspections and radiological surveys.

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection.

• Capacity to access active industrial, construction, remediation, and government facilities.

• Willingness to travel up to 25–50% as project demands necessitate.

• Ability to lift and carry field equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Current 40 Hour HAZWOPER qualification or ability to obtain one.

• Must pass a pre-employment background check.

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.

• REAL ID ACT-compliant documentation required upon hire.

• No record that prohibits access to Department of Energy sites is required.

• Proof of citizenship is necessary as a condition of employment.

• May need to obtain and maintain a Secret or higher U.S. Government clearance.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Disability insurance.

• 401(k) with company matching.

• Generous paid leave.

• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.

• Employee wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Work-life balance initiatives.

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.