Health Physicist

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental,

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs

Paid State Holidays

Job summary

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Radiation Control Program, is hiring inspectors to perform on-site inspections of radioactive materials licensees and investigate environmental incidents. Training provided by NRC and state travel requirements are part of the role.

The position emphasizes public safety, data analysis from surveys and samples, and preparation of reports with enforcement recommendations as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a radiation-related field, OR four years of experience in a radiation-related field.
• Valid driver's license required to operate state vehicles or rentals.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or Radiation Technology preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform on-site inspections of radioactive materials licensees.
• Investigate environmental contamination or personnel overexposures.
• Collect and analyze data from surveys, observations, records, and samples.
• Prepare health physics reports and presentations.

Skills

Radiation safety

Public health awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Physical science or biology degree

Tools

MS Access

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Posting closes: October 25th, 2026

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Radiation Control Program is seeking to hire for processing licenses and conducting inspections on Radioactive Materials Licensees. Our program consists of four inspectors, a lead inspector, and a supervisor. We are looking for a candidate that has a passion for science and public safety. The successful candidate will preferably have a degree in physical science or biology, as well as at least 2 years consistent work history. Experience with radiation safety is also preferred, but we will fully train the right candidate.

Our nearly 250 licensees are a variety of medical, industrial and academic that use radioactive material in their everyday operations. Licensing is carried out in coordination with the licensee via email, phone or mailed documents. Inspections can mostly be conducted during day trips; some overnight travel is required, utilizing vehicles provided by the agency.

In addition to regular duties, our team members support emergency response and environmental survey activities. We also strongly encouraged professional development of all staff.

There will be technical training provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the form of several online classes and in-person classes. Training sites are contracted by the NRC, in-person classes are held in one-week increments, and all travel expenses are covered. Typically, all required training is completed in 18 months. Advanced training is completed in 36 months from hire.

About The Position

• Who can apply: Anyone (External).
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Sponsorship: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation

• Hourly Pay Range: $28 - $30
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement And Deferred Compensation Programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The position (K0227862) performs on-site inspections of radioactive materials licensees and investigations of environmental contamination or personnel over exposures. Acts as project lead on complicated environmental investigations and facility inspections. Collects and analyzes data from surveys, observations, records, environmental samples, and bioassay. Performs and validates dose reconstruction of patients in nuclear medicine incidents and individuals working with unsealed radioactive material. Conducts observations and analyzes data from medical and industrial facilities to determine scientific significance between human activities and risks to public health and safety. Conducts naturally occurring environmental radiation surveys across the state and compiles data into reports. Follows inspections with a written report and recommendation for enforcement action. Follows investigations with written reports that assess the public exposure and practices that contributed to an incident. Provides consultation to local agencies on radiation safety relating to local contaminated sites and incidents to mitigate potential harm. Obtains and maintains qualification as a radioactive materials inspector.

• Prepare health physics reports and presentations based on observations and data provided.
• Prepare technical material relative to health physics, radiation safety, and regulations for licensees and responders. Responsible to maintain internal procedures and policies.
• Operate and perform calibrations of radiation detection/measurement equipment to identify and quantify radioactive material.
• Analyze and interpret results of health physics studies to determine threats and undesirable trends to the environment and public health.
• Complete special projects as assigned by supervision.
• Participate in training to sustain and improve capabilities as a health physicist.
• Act as an emergency response team member for the state for emergencies involving radioactive material and fixed nuclear facilities. Collect field samples, analyze data from tests, and determine dose projections for the public and responders in nuclear and radiological incidents. Validate data from automatic monitors. Respond to incidents of lost or damaged radioactive devices. Assist in developing and implementing GIS mapping capabilities, and dose projection methods and procedures for radiological emergency response. Participate in training and exercises to sustain and improve capabilities in radiological response operations. Assist with the development of radiological training modules and implementation of training as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • High School, GED
• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Two years of experience working in a radiation-related field, OR four years of experience in a radiation-related field.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or Radiation Technology
  • Certified Health Physicist preferred
  • Registered Radiation Protection Technologist preferred
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Radiological Survey and sampling
  • Radiological Materials Inspection and Licensing
  • Knowledge of procedures to use radioactive material in radiation/high radiation areas
  • Experience in Health Physics and Radiation health measurements, radioactive materials handling
  • Successful attendance at any of the U.S. NRC core courses for radioactive materials
  • Qualified under Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive materials licensing and inspecting
  • Experience using MS Access database
  • Certification or eligible for certification by American Board of Health Physics
  • Certification or eligible for certification by Natl Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists
  • Certification or eligible for certification by American Society of Radiologic Technicians
  • Completion of health physics courses through the NRC.
  • Certification or eligible for certification by or other organizations dealing with radiation protect
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
  • Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

How To Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How To Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled by the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE

The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to [phone], scanned and emailed to [e-mail], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator

Office of Personnel Services

Landon State Office Building

900 SW Jackson, Rm 401

Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.