Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist)

Summary Performs professional work to protect personnel and environments from ionizing radiation hazards by identifying and evaluating potential radiation hazards across diverse facility operations. Applies and implements procedures to eliminate, control, or minimize radiation exposure. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Learn more about this agency Duties The Radiation Safety Division ensures compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations, including the specific requirements of NIST's three NRC issued radioactive materials licenses, supporting the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials for over 2,000 radioactive sources. The radiation safety program is managed by the Radiation Safety Officer and is overseen by the NIST Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee. In this position you will: Monitor operating programs to ensure strict compliance with NRC, DOT, and OSHA license conditions Conduct radiation laboratory audits and surveys to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential hazards Coordinate the collection, packaging, and processing of radioactive material for waste disposal Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis using methodologies like LSC counting or gamma spectroscopy Perform maintenance, calibration, and QA/QC on portable and fixed radiation detection instruments Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications Basic Requirements: Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus. or Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A. In addition to the Basic Education requirements you must possess either 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: Experience working in laboratory environments with radioactive materials. Including experience in performance of professional or technical work to protect personnel and environments from ionizing radiation hazards. AND Qualifying experience includes at least two of the following: (1) conducting radiation laboratory audits, weekly surveys, and leak testing to identify and evaluate hazards in accordance with license conditions; (2) performing the maintenance, calibration, and quality assurance of portable and fixed radiation detection instruments, including LSC counting or gamma spectroscopy; (3) executing logistics for the shipping, receiving, and packaging of radioactive materials while ensuring compliance with NRC, DOT, and EPA regulations ; or (4) coordinating radioactive waste collection and processing projects while maintaining meticulous records of radiation levels and personnel exposures. 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Use of fingers, Both hands required Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Depth perception Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: Outside and inside Slippery or uneven walking surfaces Working around moving objects or vehicles Working closely with others Working alone NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.