Nuclear Safety Inspector I

State of Illinois; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois invites applications for Nuclear Safety Inspector I, based in West Chicago, IL. This role conducts inspections of x-ray and laser systems in medical, veterinary, and industrial facilities, measures radiation levels, and documents findings to ensure regulatory compliance.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics (or an associate degree with related experience).

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and development equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics, plus 1 year of related experience; or an associate degree with 3 years of experience.
• Preferred: formal radiological training or radiography coursework and related certifications.
• Experience operating radiation detection and survey instruments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts x-ray and laser inspections at medical, veterinary, and industrial sites; travels as needed.
• Measures radiation levels using survey equipment during routine inspections and investigations.
• Records findings and prepares reports for technical review following SOPs.
• Advises licensed practitioners on compliance and quality assurance of radiological systems.
• Performs duties per IllinoisPlan for Radiological Accidents SOPs and supports emergency response.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics

Associate degree in biology, chemistry, or physics + 3 years experience

Tools

Radiation survey equipment

X-ray/laser inspection equipment

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials

Job Requisition ID:59803 Opening Date: 10/23/2026 Closing Date: 11/09/2026 Agency: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security Class Title:NUCLEAR SAFETY INSPECTOR I - 83738 Skill Option:None Bilingual Option:None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,572 monthly; Full Range $5,572 - $7,898 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category:Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00a - 4:30p
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 4 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 245 W Roosevelt Rd, West Chicago, Illinois, 60185 Work County: DuPage Agency Contact: EMA.Jobs @ illinois.gov

Position Overview: Join a team committed to protecting public health by ensuring the safe use of x-ray and laser systems throughout Illinois. This position conducts inspections at medical, veterinary, and industrial facilities, measures radiation levels, documents findings, and assists with investigations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The role also provides technical guidance to facility staff, supports radiation safety initiatives, and contributes to emergency response activities while helping maintain a safe environment for Illinois residents. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.

About the Agency: Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to better preparing the State of Illinois for natural, manmade, or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. IEMA-OHS is also responsible for protecting Illinois residents from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, administering more than two dozen programs to protect citizens and the environment. Programs include extensive emergency planning and response efforts and training for local responders for accidents involving radiation; inspecting and regulating radioactive materials licensees; registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities. IEMA-OHS also monitors 11 nuclear power reactors at six nuclear stations licensed to generate electricity in Illinois and inspects and escorts spent nuclear fuel shipments.

This position is a NON-CODE union position. Provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Resume Preferred but not Required

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Conducts or assists with x-ray and laser inspections at a variety of medical, veterinary and industrial installations; traveling to locations as necessary.
• Measures radiation levels using a wide variety of radiation survey equipment for conducting routine x-ray inspections as well as conducting special investigations.
• Records inspection and investigation results, performs necessary data entry and prepares findings for technical review in accordance with established procedures.
• Advises and consults with licensed practitioners of the healing arts and other professionals on compliance and quality assurance aspects of x-ray and laser systems.
• Conducts or assists with routine verification of accredited and/certification of operations and special investigations of reports of unaccredited radiation technologists, or allegations of technical incompetence of radiation technologists in sufficient depth to provide required evidence for legal action, if indicated.
• Performs the duties of assigned team position as specified in the Standard Operating Procedures of the IllinoisPlan for Radiological Accidents.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of: (a) a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or physics, supplemented by one (1) year of appropriate experience; or (b) an associate degree in biology, chemistry, or physics, supplemented by three (3) years of appropriate experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a formal degree and completion of a program of formal training in x-ray technology of not less than two (2) years duration at a school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association, or two (2) years of college courses leading to an Associate Arts degree in Radiological Technology.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience operating medical and/or industrial radiography equipment.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience operating and utilizing radiation detection and machine survey instruments.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience communicating and collaborating with professionals in the radiological health community.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires the ability to use state-issued equipment, such as cellphone, laptop, etc.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

Revolving Door:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).