State Health Physicist 2 (Environmental Radiochemist)

ARIZONA DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona's children and adults. Our mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. ADHS promotes alternative work schedules, flexible hours. We have positions that can fit any stage in your career, from entry to senior level. We offer a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Program, where eligible employees can receive up to $437.50 per month for their outstanding student loans. Come check us out and see how you can make a difference in the lives of all Arizonans.

STATE HEALTH PHYSICIST 2 (Environmental Radiochemist)

DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES/RADIATION CONTROL

Address: 4814 South 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85040

Salary: $46,558 to $55,000

Grade: 20

Job Summary

The Environmental Radiochemist position performs radiochemical analysis of environmental air, direct radiation, soil, water, and milk along with conducting inspections of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation facilities.

Job Duties

• Collecting soil, air, water, milk, and direct radiation samples from the environments surrounding the Palo Verde Generating Station, and supporting the development and implementation of a statewide environmental radiation surveillance program
• Performing radiochemical analysis of environmental and other samples for gamma and beta emitting radionuclides using various techniques
• Preparing, placing, retrieving and analyzing environmental thermoluminescent dosimeters
• Evaluating and interpreting measurement results
• Performing peer review of radiochemistry analysis results and other quality assurance activities associated with radiochemical analysis
• Performing preparation of samples for analysis utilizing wet chemistry techniques
• Planning and conducting inspections and investigations of registrant activities that relate to radiation safety and the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
• Evaluate and interpret measurement results
• Respond to incidents involving radioactive material throughout the state

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

- Principles, theories, and practices related to radiation safety and environmental protection aspects of research, medical, educational, and industrial use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

- Applications of radiation, radiation phenomena, and protection principles characteristic of alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiations necessary for licensing/registering the possession and use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

- Departments regulatory program, licensing/registration practices and standards, current regulatory guides, and license requirements, sufficient to evaluate radiation safety.

- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:

-Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with persons of varying technical backgrounds, including senior management officials of industry and government, and the public, for the presentation of analyses of technical issues and findings associated with the licensing/registration function.

- Use computers and other information technology to perform a variety of technical, analytical, and written communication tasks effectively and efficiently.

Ability to:

- Demonstrate the ability to recognize and distinguish issues of safety or regulatory significance.

- Demonstrate the ability to assess the performance of licensee/registrant management with respect to the correction of hazardous operations and conditions, to develop facts and recommendations logically in support of proposed actions, and to discuss and explain to licensee/registrant management, the findings of a Department review and any necessary corrective actions.

- Demonstrate the ability to analyze trends in the development of radiation safety technology, and the availability and usefulness of new or improved instruments and equipment related to ionizing and non-ionizing inspection work, in order to maintain technical proficiency, and to participate in the development and improvement of inspection techniques and standards.

- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Selective Preference(s)

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or related field, with emphasis on a science related curriculum (ie. health physics, math, biology) and 2 yrs. exp. at a St Hl Phyicist I level or on-the-job experience in radiation protection compliance with a State or Federal program; Master's degree in Health physics, Radiological Hygiene or a closely related field may substitute for 1 yr. exp.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

Benefits

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

- Affordable medical and dental insurance plans

- Paid vacation and sick time

- 10 paid holidays per year

- Wellness program and plans

- Life insurance

- Short/long-term disability insurance

- Defined retirement plan

- Award winning Infant at Work program

- Credit union membership

- Transit subsidy

- ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Retirement

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

Contact Us

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.