RADIATION SAFETY SPECIALIST 43153

8/16/90 C

This is the third level class in the Radiation Safety series. Positions in this class coordinate and implement specific segments of an agency's Radiation Safety Program. They may also function as technical experts. This class is distinguished from the Radiation Safety Technician Senior by its programmatic responsibilities. It is distinguished from the Radiation Safety Supervisor by the latter's responsibility for supervising a major piece of the agency's Radiation Safety Program.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty ensuring the safe and legal use of radioactive materials and radiation producing equipment. Coordinates segments of a radiation safety program within an assigned geographic region or on an agency-wide basis. Programs include radioactive waste disposal, instrument calibration and quality assurance, x-ray survey, radiation safety training, coordination of agency-wide purchases of radioactive material, radiation protection, and patient monitoring. Reviews license or renewal applications for users of radioactive materials; coordinates and conducts environmental surveillance activities to detect radioactive releases and measures reconcentration of effluents into the environment; performs technical radiation safety surveys, investigations, inspections, and laboratory analysis to identify and prevent radiation hazards. Maintains radioactive materials inventory; provides expert advice and service in radiation safety matters; and may serve as a member of State Radiological Emergency response Team.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Radiation Safety Supervisor or a higher level program manager or administrator.

Scope: Positions in this class administer radiation safety programs affecting government agencies, educational institutions, industry, and the general public.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the public safety and protection from unnecessary radiation exposure. Failure to conduct inspections of facilities using x-ray equipment or radioactive materials and enforcing Commonwealth radiation control regulations could have a detrimental impact on public health and the environment, and could subject the agency to State and Federal fines.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with government officials, industry, and the general public to exchange or provide general and technical information regarding radiation hazards and safety programs.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of health physics. Considerable knowledge of applicable Federal and State radiation control standards and regulations. Knowledge of instrumentation used in radiation detection and measurement and applications and capabilities of data processing systems.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan and implement radiation surveillance programs and conduct appropriate sampling under emergency conditions, to manage a technical program and supervise technical staff, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in physical or biological sciences, with additional course work in health physics or a related radiological health field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in radiation safety, radioactive materials licensing, or another area of health physics.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class in the Radiation Safety series was revised during the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective August 16, 1990.