Health Physicist I- Emergency Response Trainer

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Health Physicist Responsible for the Radiological Instrument and Training Operations in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Energy contract guidelines. Performs complex administrative planning and project inspection required for the management of the Radiological Emergency Preparedness project team. Work involves developing plans related to the establishment of program team goals and objectives; development of program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, schedules, priorities, and standards; and assisting in the plans and evaluation of program activities. Assist in technical review and evaluation of highly technical safety analysis and engineering plans for the transportation of nuclear materials on State and Federal highways. Coordinate training between the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides supervision and highly advanced technical guidance for instrument technicians, develops methods for improved management and advanced technical techniques, and is responsible for the Quality Assurance of all state owned radiation detection instruments used by Texas local governments. Consults on matters of radiological risk/hazard assessments, environmental and radiological health, and safety practices and techniques. Supervises, assist and/or conducts radiological emergency preparedness training. Prepares and conducts radiological emergency response exercises for first responders in local jurisdictions throughout the state. Conducts radiological field inspections, investigations, surveys, instrument updates and studies; and advises other program specialists of actions needed. Provides complex technical assistance to state, county and local government officials in maintaining a broad radiological preparedness program that enhances the capability to respond effectively to complex radiological emergencies. In addition, acts as liaison between county government officials and central office staff. Maintain a 24-hour comprehensive response capability for radiological emergencies and participates as a member of the State of Texas Radiological Emergency Response Team. Performs other health physics and compliance duties as assigned. Works under general direction with latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Candidates for this position will be subject to a pre-employment security review to determine employment eligibility.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: -applicable local, state and federal laws; of the organization and structure of public health organizations; and of pertinent techniques of research and management.-Radiological Health and Physics.-basic and natural sciences and math.-instrument calibration procedures.-training techniques and presentations.-Incident Command System.-nuclear radiation detection instrumentation.-the control of radiation, radiological health, laws, safety procedures and regulations.-National Incident Management Systems-Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements
• Skill in: -the use of computers.-the use of electronic diagnostic test equipment.-presenting training modules for radiological emergency responders.-reviewing and commenting on emergency response plans and procedures.-providing radiological surveys and sampling evaluation.
• Ability to: -communicate effectively with customers and co-workers.-communicate training materials effectively to emergency responders.-establish priorities in workloads and meet deadlines.-express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.-evaluate radiation detection systems for suitability to program needs.-communicate on radiological issues with both technical and volunteer personnel.-evaluate the proper use of radiological shielding devices.-analyze existing and proposed federal and state regulations.-maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure systems by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations related to national security and foreign ownership restrictions.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health physics, nuclear or environmental engineering, environmental or natural sciences, chemistry, or a related field.
• Four years of experience may be substituted for formal education.

Responsibilities

• Preparedness (REP) program under the existing DOE and FEMA grant guidance. Reviews and develops plans related to the establishment of various program goals and objectives. Develops guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, schedules, priorities and standards for program team completion. Develops methods for improved management and technical techniques. Coordinates assignments of team members to various project teams to ensure resources are utilized to maximum benefit. Plans, develops, and provides highly advanced technical guidance to staff, licensees and the public on rules, policies and procedures involving the control of sources of radiation. Coordinates, plans, and conducts training of emergency response team members including highly advanced technical information on the use of sophisticated radiological analytical equipment, radiological monitoring equipment, and computer modeling equipment used in assessing radiation doses and radiological deposition. Evaluates statistical and environmental radiation data; interprets the result; and prepares technical reports of findings. Performs technical review and evaluation of highly technical safety analysis and engineering plans for the transportation of nuclear materials on State and Federal highways. Coordinates, oversees, and leads ongoing and/or special radiation control projects. Evaluates work distribution and efficiency of team members to meet the program’s goal. Provides input on team members’ performance to administrative team leader for inclusion in team members’ Performance Journal. Maintains project records, prepares and provide program correspondence as needed. Review program travel schedules. Prepares special technical reports. Develops REP program monthly, quarterly, bi-annual grant closeout reports. Coordinates, plans, and conducts radiological health activities for the Department under contractual arrangements with state and/or federal agencies. Provides assistance to the program Team Leader, Program manager, and Unit Director in assessment of resource and training needs, workload trends, and budget preparation for program projects. Conducts group discussion on draft rules and public comments on proposed regulatory rules. Coordinates major projects with staff from other departments within the agency and other Texas agencies or agencies of other state or the federal government, as needed.(40%)
• Manages, plans and/or conducts radiological emergency preparedness training and exercises under existing FEMA, HRSA and DOE guidelines and procedures. Reviews and evaluates Radiological Emergency Preparedness training needs for each jurisdiction serviced. Provide the 8-hour Fundamentals Course for Radiological Monitors and First Responders. Provide and/or assist in conducting the 24-hour Radiological Response Team courses. Reviews and maintains familiarity with the format and content of Annex D, (Radiological Emergency Management) and Annex V (Terrorism) the annexes Tabs, Chapters, and Procedures. Maintain radiological training database of all first responders trained throughout the state. (25%)
• Review and evaluate the radiological instrumentation needed in each county serviced. Inspects and/or provide updated radiological detection equipment in each county serviced. Provides calibration of radiation detection equipment used in environmental surveillance and surveys. Provide radiological annex plans assistance to local governmental officials. Maintain instrument location database of radiological detection equipment assigned throughout the state. Provides information to DSHS Radiation Control and Community Preparedness staff regarding radiological emergency response and health related issues affecting local governments. (10%)
• Perform as Lead Program specialist and as ‘Quality Control’ specialist. Inspect and calibrate radiation detection instruments monthly to determine quality of service provided by project staff specialist. Inspect, radiation detection instruments as needed. (5%)
• Provide technical assistance to state, county and local government officials in maintaining a broad radiological preparedness project. Consult with public county officials, review and provide guidance in reference to local Radiological Emergency Preparedness concerns. Serves as a 24/7 emergency response team member for the DSHS Community Preparedness Section for response to catastrophic natural or man-made disasters as assigned. Coordinates, plans and conducts combined agency emergency response exercises to assure adequacy of technical capability for emergency response organization. Participates in all Texas Nuclear Power Plant exercises and drills. Assist Community Preparedness/Emergency and Preparedness Response Branch in conducting and maintaining a broad emergency response and preparedness plan that enhances the capability of local jurisdictions and state agencies to respond effectively to disaster, and emergencies threatening the citizens of the State of Texas.(5%)
• Actively participate or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Actively participate on the agency’s radiological emergency response team. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level