Health Physicist Lead

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid holidays

Paid leave for sick and vacation

Job summary

Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks a lead worker for the Environmental Radiation, Emergency Preparedness and Radon Unit. You will train staff, coordinate projects, and direct complex radiological emergency preparedness efforts across agencies.

You will develop response plans, lead drills, and provide training to utilities and officials while guiding decision-making on radiological issues. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in environmental science with emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or related natural science.
• An Associate of Science degree in any science field may substitute with four years of radiation-related experience.
• Experience in leadership, training, and technical reporting is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Environmental Radiation, Emergency Preparedness and Radon Unit work.
• Develop, revise, and maintain radiological emergency response plans and procedures.
• Coordinate with utilities and government agencies for emergency preparedness.
• Prepare scientific reports and provide oversight on technical projects.

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Training

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science

Associate of Science in science field

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: October 18 th , 2026
Required documents uploaded by: October 18 th , 2026

Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position. If you are an OPT or STEM OPT applicant, please note that all individuals must maintain valid employment authorization and an unexpired EAD.

E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

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
• Sponsored: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation

• Hourly Pay Range: $31-$35
• 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

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The position (K0230290)

Act as a lead worker for the Environmental Radiation, Emergency Preparedness and Radon Unit. This involves training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing the work projects of the other unit staff. Provides direction and coordination of the work being performed by unit staff in order to evaluate and recommend solutions for unusual and complex technical problems associated with the agency radiological emergency preparedness programs, the Kansas Radon Certification Program, and the environmental radiation and monitoring program. Act as project leader for complex scientific projects assigned to the unit.

Act as project leader for the development, revision, maintenance, and distribution, of agency radiological emergency response plans and procedures for emergency response to fixed facilities, homeland security, and peacetime incidents. Independently coordinates emergency response planning and preparedness efforts with utilities and other federal, state, and local government agencies. Serve on radiological emergency response teams as assigned. Responsible for the planning of emergency response drills and exercises. Attend training courses as assigned. Act as lead trainer from KDHE to coordinate with nuclear utilities and state and local government officials to develop and conduct radiological emergency response training for emergency response personnel. Conduct in-house training programs. Review and provide professional recommendations on specific federal regulations, guidance, and policies pertaining to radiological emergency preparedness and response.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Based on personal observations and analysis of data assembled by other unit staff, prepares and provides oversight in the preparation of scientific and technical reports and correspondence addressing the Wolf Creek environmental radiation program, the Kansas Radon Program and the radon enforcement and certification program, and the radiological emergency preparedness programs. Provides the scientific basis to make final decisions of a technical nature in regard to identification of specific problems and recommended corrective action.

Obtain and maintain proficiency at performing complex radiological dose assessments and calculations. Responsible for the development and maintenance of GIS capabilities for the radiological emergency preparedness and response program, radiological environmental monitoring program, and the Kansas Radon Program.

Prepares brochures, fact sheets, and educational material and perform training and outreach activities to educate state and local officials, regulated facilities, and the citizens of Kansas regarding radiation, emergency preparedness, and radon.

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:
  • A bachelor's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science. An Associate of Science degree in any science field and four years of experience working in a radiation-related field. OR six years of experience in a radiation-related field may be substituted for the required education.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Radiological survey and dose assessment
  • Radiological emergency preparedness and response
  • Public speaking and training
  • Technical writing of reports/grants/emergency procedures
  • Leadership/Team Leader/Supervisory/Management
  • Experience with procedures to use radioactive material in radiation and high radiation areas
  • Experience in emergency response
  • Experience in health physics and radiological health measurements
  • Experience working in a radiological environmental program
  • Completion of Advanced Radiological Incident Operations.
  • Completion of Radiological Emergency Response Operations
  • Completion ofRadiological Accident Assessment Course
  • Completion of Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise Evaluation
  • Completion of Radiological Emergency Preparedness Planning
  • Completion of H-111 "Environmental Monitoring
  • Completion of H-123 "Intermediate Health Physics
  • Completion of H-122 "Fundamental Health Physics"
  • Completion of H-117 Introductory Health Physics
  • Completion of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission sponsored Health Physics courses
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
  • The incumbent must be certified by a physician to utilize personal protective equipment including respiratory protection equipment within 12 months of hire.
  • 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 with 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.