Radiation Protection Specialist I (EHM I)

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option after 1 year

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services seeks an entry-level Radiation Protection Specialist I to perform regulatory duties within the Radiation Protection Program. You will conduct inspections of x-ray facilities, assess exposure risks, and assist senior specialists in more complex tasks to ensure safe use of radiation-producing equipment across the state.

On-the-job training is provided. Aible to travel statewide; remote work option may be available after one year of employment as

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with experience in environmental health or radiological health.
• Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or related field may substitute for required experience.
• Working knowledge of radiation protection principles and health physics practices.
• Experience using radiation measurement instrumentation or regulatory inspections.

Responsibilities

• Inspect x-ray equipment in facilities and assess possible exposures.
• Prepare inspection reports and document noncompliance.
• Advise end users on regulation interpretation and radiation safety issues.
• Attend seminars and training on radiation protection.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Mathematical skills

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in natural/physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or related field

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Job description

Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation

Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment?

Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!

We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!

Science | Service | Sustainability

About the Role:

Under direct supervision, the Radiation Protection Specialist I will perform entry-level regulatory and compliance duties within the Bureau of Land and Waste Management's Radiation Protection Program - Division of Electronic Products. This position assists in protecting public health and safety by conducting investigations, inspections, and enforcement duties at x-ray facilities to determine compliance with R.61-64. Responsibilities include responding to inquiries regarding ionizing radiation, performing routine inspections of x-ray units and related devices, tracking post-inspection corrective actions to ensure compliance, and assisting Radiation Protection Specialists II and III with more complex inspections of facilities using sources of electronically produced radiation. The work performed helps ensure the safe use of radiation-producing equipment and protects South Carolina citizens and the environment from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Job Responsibilities:

• Inspect x-ray equipment in dental facilities, medical facilities, hospitals, industrial facilities, academic institutions, and other x-ray facilities. Survey and determine possible radiation exposures to employees or the general public and make recommendations for necessary corrections.
• Prepare reports outlining findings and items of noncompliance with regulations. Ensure information regarding inspections is accurate and entered into the agency's facility information system and inspection documents are scanned/uploaded to the electronic storage system.
• Consult with end users, applicants, and vendors of sources of electronically produced radiation concerning regulation interpretation and radiation safety problems. Provide information to inquiries regarding all aspects of ionizing radiation. Assist in collecting required fees and assist with enforcement actions involving x-ray facilities.
• Attend and participate in seminars, conferences, and training courses on radiation protection.
• Perform other related duties as required.

*On-the-job training will be provided*

This posting will be used to fill two (2) Radiation Protection Specialist I (EHM I) vacancies. Qualified applicants will be considered for both positions 61009132 and 61007642.

Why Join Us?

As a state employee, you’ll enjoy:

• Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC'S environment
• Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family and retirement benefit choices.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and a clear path for advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job.

• A high school diploma or GED and experience in environmental health programs or radiological health; OR
• A bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering or a related technical field may be substituted for the required work experience.

Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, etc.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, a 10-year driving record that complies with State and Agency Fleet guidelines, and the ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles.
• Strong written and oral communication, mathematical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written communications, including but not limited to inspection reports, email correspondence, and other documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, x-ray facility professionals, government officials, and the general public.
• Ability to clearly communicate inspection findings, including citation of violations, to management and facility personnel.
• Ability to serve as a member of the Department's Emergency Response Team, including duty and/or on-call responsibilities on a 24-hour basis during emergencies.
• Willingness to complete workdays that may exceed normal working hours as required.
• Ability to travel from Central Office to x-ray facilities throughout the State; some overnight travel is required.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including dental offices, medical facilities, veterinary clinics, hospitals, and industrial facilities, etc.
• Employee will be assigned a personnel monitoring badge to track radiation exposure.
• Employee will utilize state-owned vehicles and inspection equipment.
• Employee will operate and transport instruments and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Position is subject to radiological and industrial hazards.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health.
• Bachelor's degree in the natural or physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge and understanding of radiation protection principles and health physics practices.
• Knowledge of and experience using radiation measurement instrumentation and/or experience working in a regulatory environment conducting inspections.

SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
• Remote Work: The option to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions.

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.