GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The RADIATION PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIST 1 performs a variety of routine tasks to ensure preservation of the radiological health and safety of workers and the public, as well as to protect the quality of the environment. Duties include packaging, labeling, and shipping radioactive materials, operating and performing minor maintenance on radiation detection equipment, and distributing and collecting personal dosimetric devices.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a three-level series. It is distinguished from the next higher level by having a less complex and more routine nature of duties, by a lesser degree of technical problem-solving and scientific knowledge, by a more limited amount of independence and responsibility for decisions that would pose risk to other employees of the agency or cause the agency a liability, and by a lesser degree of knowledge and skills of radiation safety laws, procedures, and practices. Employees work under the guidance of a higher level radiation protection technologist, health physicist, or radiation program manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination of the duties or tasks listed below. All duties must be performed in strict accordance with agency procedures and nonstandard situations must be reported to the supervisor immediately to prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace. Some positions may occasionally perform these duties as part of an environmental health and safety program.

1. Material Handling and Equipment Maintenance. Typical tasks: properly collect, package, label, and ship radioactive materials; receive, inspect for compliance with regulations, and deliver radioactive material shipments; prepare necessary shipping papers; perform routine maintenance, calibration, testing, or adjusting of the radiation detection and counting instruments; maintain records on computer of all shipments sent and received according to Federal regulations; participate in the cleanup operations of a contaminated area.
2. Dosimetry Program. Typical tasks: distribute and collect dosimetric devices; perform simple routine inspections to assure compliance with regulations that pertain to use of and exposure to radioactive materials or radiation producing equipment; assures that program standards are being met and notifies supervisor of late or lost dosimeters and alerts supervisor when radiation doses are outside normal limits; send dosimeters to manufacture according to established schedule; maintain records on computer of all aspects of dosimetry program and assist in issuing reports as requested; conduct inventory of all dosimetric devices.
3. Program Compliance. Typical tasks: under the direction of a higher level technician, conduct routine surveys or collect routine samples using special test equipment to determine contamination levels or potential health hazards; perform routine simple inspections of work sites with radiation producing equipment or sites; using and storing radioactive materials to determine compliance with the Federal and State laws; perform simple dose calculations and exposure rate calculations.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular daily contact with professional or technical personnel in order to collect and distribute radioactive materials and dosimetric devices. There will also be occasional contact by phone with State and Federal governmental agencies, the general public, and private industry to give and receive information. Occasionally the employee is asked to provide information verbally or in written form on the safe handling and disposal of radioactive wastes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work under close supervision until proficiency is gained and then under general supervision of a Radiation Safety technician, Program Manager, or administrative supervisor. Their test data, results, reports, and any standard interpretation are reviewed routinely. Records are reviewed for quality control. Guidelines used in performance of duties include standard operating procedures, technical references, and State and Federal laws and regulations.

GENERAL INFORMATION

These positions are found in regulatory agencies or educational institutions located throughout the state. They require willingness to work between highly informed technical people and often misinformed and irritated members of the public. They require the willingness to work with radioactive materials where there is danger of potential exposure if guidelines are not followed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of experience in radiation safety or in testing and repairing electronic equipment; OR
• an Associate's degree with courses in Electronics or Radiation Safety Management; OR
• a Bachelors degree with courses in Electronics or Radiation Safety.