HEALTH PHYSICIST

Summary This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The incumbent will be serving as a Subject Matter Expert ISME) in Health Physics (HP) by providing HP information and advice, and ensuring the protection of personnel from unwarranted exposure to ionizing radiation. Duties This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024. As a HEALTH PHYSICIST at the GS-1306-13 some of your typical work assignments may include: Serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Health Physics (HP) by providing HP information and advice, and ensuring the protection of personnel from unwarranted exposure to ionizing radiation. Coordinates HP activities for the department to include: maintaining the department radiological occupational health program; establishing procedures to identify personnel requiring pre-placement, periodic, and termination medical examinations; and participating in formulating occupational health examination requirements for workers at risk for hazardous exposures. Recommends new or revised instructions, manuals, and technical documents required to support/document the HP Program. Maintains professional currency by reading technical literature and attending professional meetings. Serves as the RD-TS Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Manages the department Radiation Safety Program to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and host installation laws and regulations. Provides oversight of radiation safety at all RD-TS fixed and mobile test sites. Develops the Health and Safety Plan for RD-TS tests utilizing radiological or nuclear material. Conducts and documents dose rate measurements of radioactive material use and storage areas; performs a physical inventory of radioactive sources; and performs leak tests on all required sources based on DTRA NRC license requirements. Makes recommendations to senior leadership, in normal operations, on how to accomplish the mission with the least amount of human radiation dose and the minimum financial impact on the organization. Submits requests for the purchase/acquisition of radioactive material to the DTRA RSO; coordinates the purchase/acquisition, shipment, and transfer of radioactive material; and ensures adherence to prescribed safety standards by inspecting all procedures used to handle, ship, store, or dispose of nuclear components. Provides local oversight for the Agency's broad scope radiologic license. Performs technical and administrative audits to ensure compliance with Federal regulations and Air Force host installation requirements. Responds to radiologic inventory Intrusion Detection System (IDS) alarms. Conducts periodic leak sampling; maintains the sampling equipment; and maintains documentation as required by the license and the DTRA RSO. Trains and documents local users of radioactive material in accordance with the DTRA broad scope radioactive license and industry standard radioactive safety procedures. Oversees and ensures compliance with all requirements to process, ship, and receive Class 7 Radioactive Material. Radiation Dosimetry program manager to include reviewing and maintaining all radiation dosimetry records. Institutes procedures to ensure radiation exposures ALARA for any radioactive material use. Serves as a Test Team Safety Officer for testing on KAFB and at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) involving radiation sources. Coordinates test requirements and plans with other test team members. Ensures all safety regulatory requirements are met by reviewing documents for approval and providing oversight of test performers. Recommends radiological controls and requirements for each specific research and test event. Reviews potential test programs and recommends whether DTRA can conduct the test event, and what limitations exist or are required. Serves as Laser Safety Officer for testing and ensures all laser safety protocols are met. Coordinates test requirements and plans with other test team members. Recommend laser controls and requirements for each specific research and test event. Reviews potential test programs and recommends whether DTRA can conduct the test event, and identifies limitations , if applicable. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen Occasional Travel Work Schedule: Full-time Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Overtime: Occasionally Tour of Duty: Flexible Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized if funds available and with approval from hiring manager Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt Financial Disclosure: Required Telework Eligibility: This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines. This position is not eligible for remote telework. Must maintain necessary training to preserve proficiency in job related qualifications, i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) and Permit Required Confined Space. Required certificates: Part I Certification Health Physicist (CHP) by American Board of Health Physics, and be able to complete Part II within 12-months of assignment. Requires access to Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)/Restricted Data (RD) Must be able to acquire and retain Top Secret Clearance eligibility with Sensitive Compartmented Information access, based upon a Single Scoped Background Investigation. Must consent to and pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic drug testing thereafter. Required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure form, OGE-450, within 30 days of entering the position, annually and upon termination of employment in accordance with DoD Directive 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, August 30, 1993. May be recalled to duty 24-hrs a day during other than normal duty hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays; may be required to work other then normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to obtain and maintain current valid passport. Qualifications You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Serve as subject matter expert in health physics (HP) principals, doctrine, and occupational health requirements Perform all Radiation Safety Officer functions and operations including radiological and nuclear accident response ensuring protection of personnel from radiological hazards according to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and state standards Perform Laser Safety Officer responsibilities IAW ANSI Z136.1 and Z136.6, OR 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 1306, series as listed below: 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. *NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. Education Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Additional information Other Notes: RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)) 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.