Principal Health Physicist

The Principal Health Physicist is responsible for implementing portions of the Radiation Protection Program, supporting policies, programs and procedures as directed by the Health Physics Manager or designee. The successful candidate will oversee the Radiation Safety Technicians and may function as Assistant Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for radioactive materials licenses issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at the Maryland Heights facility in the absence of the RSO.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of technical personnel and perform a wide variety of complex radiological assignments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, guidance and procedures. These actions include, but are not limited to: monitoring radiation safety compliance using key performance indicators (KPIs); proactively assessing the health of the program and taking actions to correct deficiencies; conduct regular simulations for ensuring compliance and implementation of best practices for facility modifications, design and construction of new facilities, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The candidate will perform radiological surveys, oversee the use of radioactive materials, perform instrument calibrations, conduct area, process and program audits, environmental sampling and analyses, provide personnel training and evaluate changes to facilities/process/protocols.

Work at this level is distinguished by the application of advance knowledge of radiation safety, regulatory requirements and guidance as well as interpretation of radiological analyses. Provide leadership, expertise, and technical support for radiation safety and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) related issues that includes, but are not limited to, the essential functions listed below.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm. There will be occasional weekend, night support, and on-call rotation.

• As assigned by the Health Physics Manager, supervise Radiation Safety Technicians and their day-to-day operations.
• Ensure the implementation of assigned elements of the Radiation Protection Program.
• Responsible for scheduling department resources to ensure appropriate coverage of scheduled and unscheduled tasks.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to address issues associated with the radiation protection program.
• Provide assessments of radiological impact of new facilities and facility modifications.
• Consult with users about radiation protection issues.
• Rotating on-call assignments.
• Inspect and audit operations involving the use of radioactive materials to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate and site policies, permits, procedures. Recommend and implement corrective actions when appropriate.
• Develop and implement Radiological Work Permits for non-routine radiological activities.
• Provide radiation safety support to assigned projects.
• Lead projects related to radiation safety.
• Write technical reports for regulatory compliance or project support.
• Conduct regular radiological surveys on site-wide facilities to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct instrument calibrations, leak test of radiation-emitting sources, environmental sampling and analysis of radiological samples.
• Generate and maintain appropriate documentation and record keeping in accordance with program documentation requirements.
• Perform radiological incident investigations and present results to the Director Health Physics and Radiation Safety Committee. Recommend and implement corrective actions where appropriate.
• Promote and implement safety programs to maintain a safe working environment through training, awareness, and compliance to policies, programs and procedures.
• Develop, implement and review Standard Operating Procedures relative to the safe use of radioactive materials and regulatory compliance.
• Review proposed regulations and evaluate potential program impacts.
• Provide radiological support to emergency conditions and response.
• Maintain compliance to federal, state, local, and industry radiation protection regulations.
• Laboratory experience.
• Cyclotron operations is desirable.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Master Degree or equivalent certification in radiation or Physical Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.); OR, Bachelor of Science degree of professional-level radiation safety experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience is required.
• Certified Health Physicist (CHP) accreditation by the American Board of Health Physics is preferred.
• Operational experience in comprehensive Radiation Safety Programs is required.
• Experience as Project Manager / Lead is preferred.
• Must possess strong technical background and knowledge of applicable radiation safety regulations (e.g., NRC, DOE, EPA, DOT).
• Must possess strong technical, analytical, communications, organizational, project management, interpersonal and writing skills.
• Experience and expertise in use of software systems used for dose assessment (e.g., CAP88, RASCAL, VARSKIN, IMBA) and radiation modeling and shielding (e.g., MicroShield, MCNP) are highly desirable.

Working Conditions:

• Dirty conditions and chemical fumes are occasionally present in the work areas.
• Corrosive, flammable, and toxic material, all which are normally handled in the plant, pose potential leak points for slips, trips and falls. Extra care must be taken while navigating the site.
• Must handle average to heavy weight materials by hand. Material handling devices (e.g., hand truck, fork truck, and conveyors) are used when possible, but use of proper lifting and movement techniques is necessary to prevent injury.
• Must be able to physically negotiate stairs and evacuation ladders without accommodation, to wear and operate safety equipment, enter vessels, inspect equipment.
• Must be able to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as deemed necessary by EH&S, leadership team, corporate, or safety guidelines.
• Willingness to work in a team based environment.
• Close attention to detail required.
• May be required to stand or sit for long periods of time while performing duties. Must be able to stand 8 hours a day.
• Willingness to work in plant producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
• Responsibilities also include the ability to lift heavy objects up to70 pounds, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching with orwithout accommodation.
• Must possess good hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts hazards, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
• Exposure to high noise levels.