Assistant Radiation Safety Officer

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Excellent retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park seeks an experienced Radiation Safety professional to lead broad radiation safety programs under the EHS umbrella. The role provides guidance to staff, maintains compliance, and supports research education in a large university setting.

The successful candidate will manage dosimetry, emergency response, and security programs, collaborate across campus locations, and ensure safety for employees, students, and the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field.
• Must be trustworthy and reliable, per NRC and PA DEP regulations.
• Certification as a Health Physicist preferred.
• Familiarization or experience in a research or clinical lab with hazards.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Must respond to radiological hazard emergencies as directed.

Responsibilities

• Stewards the University’s Broadscope Radioactive Materials Program.
• Oversees Emergency Response and Radioactive Materials Security programs.
• Oversees the University's Dosimetry Programs, including bioassay support.
• Assists RSO with meetings and supports safety program leadership.
• Oversees radon and environmental radioactivity management programs.
• Collaborates with EHS team to support department mission.

Skills

Technical communication

Hazard recognition

Emergency response readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics / Health Physics / Nuclear Engineering or related

Tools

Radiation safety equipment

Dosimetry systems

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking an individual with broad knowledge and experience in all aspects of a comprehensive Radiation Safety program to ensure the safety of employees, students, contractors, and the public. The position also helps in achieving compliance with state and federal regulations at all University locations. This position manages several large or complex radiation safety programs and provides technical guidance and, with the guidance of the Radiation Safety Officer, leadership to Radiation Protection Office staff members.

Responsibilities Include

• Stewards the University’s Broadscope Radioactive Materials Program.

• Stewards the Emergency Response program & the Radioactive Materials Security program.

• Stewards the University’s Dosimetry Programs, including the bioassay program. Assists team members with dose investigations, when necessary.

• Supports the RSO by preparing for and attending UIC and RSEC Safeguards meetings when possible.

• Stewards the radon program and other environmental radioactivity management programs as applicable.

• Participates as a member of the EHS team, providing other departmental staff members with cooperation and support to further the departmental mission.

• Oversees laboratory-based counting equipment and systems.

• Assists the RSO with providing leadership and guidance to the radiation protection office staff, and serves as the RSO when the RSO is unavailable.

• Oversees and provides stewardship of the group’s internal procedures and recordkeeping processes.

• Assist in implementing or help to implement a wide variety of radiation safety services across a large research University environment in a manner that allows for safe & efficient education and research to take place.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field preferred.

• Must be trustworthy and reliable, in accordance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

• Certification as a Health Physicist is preferred.

• Familiarization or experience working in a research or clinical laboratory setting with the presence of chemical, biological, or radiological hazards.

• Demonstrated experience communicating technical information to a wide range of audiences is necessary.

• This position will need to respond to emergencies involving radiological hazards as directed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.

Salary Structure- Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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