GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The RADIATION PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIST 2 uses knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations and radiation safety principles to assist in the evaluation and control of hazardous or unsafe radiological health and safety conditions. Duties include: conduct a survey of and inspect radiation producing machines, a section of a laboratory, or a section of a clinic where radioactive materials are used and stored; recommend corrective action to assure compliance with health and safety codes; and coordinate, operate, and administer a radiation safety activity.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a three-level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by the degree of specialized knowledge of radiation safety law, regulations, procedures, and practices required to conduct inspections and make recommendations where the impact of decisions for noncompliance situations may result in restriction on the use of the machine or the procedure, by more technical problem solving and scientific judgment in the interpretation of data, and by the responsibility for coordinating, operating, and administering a function of a radiation safety program. It is distinguished from the higher level technologist who has the responsibility to perform non routine tests, conduct complex inspections, analyze data, and exercise independent scientific judgment in making recommendations on the application of test findings where the impact of decisions for noncompliance situations may result in restriction of departmental operations, laboratory processes, or a clinical function, and who assist in developing procedures. An error in judgment while performing duties could result in minor injuries to the employee or small groups of people.

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. Some positions may occasionally perform these duties as part of an environmental health and safety program.

1. Program Compliance. Typical tasks: employees perform the following duties on radiation producing machines, a section of a laboratory, or a section of a clinic, and the impact of the decisions for noncompliance situations may result in restriction on the use of the machines or procedures: conduct surveys or collect samples without cross contamination using special test equipment to determine contamination levels or potential health hazards; inspect worksites with radiation producing equipment or sites using or storing radioactive or other hazardous materials to determine compliance with the Federal and State laws; monitor adherence to safety regulations, policy, and exposure standards and use of protective equipment; evaluate procedures in use to determine if corrective action needs to be taken to ensure a safe workplace; controls contamination spread and assists in cleanup activities; prepares reports recommending corrective action, lists methods and time frame for compliance; conducts follow-up inspections to ensure corrective action has been completed and informs supervisor of any noncompliance situation; responds to all radiological health and safety emergency situations.
2. Material Handling and Equipment Maintenance. Typical tasks: perform or coordinate the performance of the following duties: collect, package, label, and ship radioactive materials in accordance with Federal and State regulations; receive, inspect for compliance with regulations, and deliver radioactive material shipments; prepare proper shipping papers; coordinate, operate, and administer the distribution, inspection, calibration, and maintenance of special physical and analytical radiological instruments; repair and calibrate instruments and distribute according to established schedule; perform routine surveys and calibrate x-ray machines; provides operational instruments for training courses; maintain parts inventory; submit program progress reports to supervisor.
3. Program Administration. Typical tasks: assist in the implementation and operation of the radiation safety programs; prepare correspondence for supervisors signature; provide information, advice, and assistance on radiation health and safety issues; explain practical application of Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the safe operation of equipment on handling of hazardous materials; respond to, investigate, and resolve complaints concerning radiation health and safety issues; assist in the development of radiation safety training programs; conduct training sessions; prepare activity status report and present to supervisor; provide instruction to lower level personnel.
4. Dosimetry Program. Typical tasks: perform or coordinate the performance of the following duties: distribute and collect dosimetric devices; inspect to assure compliance with regulations that pertain to use of and exposure to radioactive materials; ensures that program standards are being met and notifies supervisor of late or lost dosimeters and alerts supervisor when radiation doses are outside normal limits; assist in interpreting results; send dosimeters to manufacturer 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; make standard dose calculations, exposure rate calculations, and calculations of radionuclide activities or concentrations.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have daily regular contact with technical or professional staff to conduct inspections, assist in training, and administer an instrument maintenance program. There will be occasional phone contact with outside State and Federal governmental agencies, and private industry to discuss issues that are often proprietary in nature.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work under general supervision of an administrative supervisor. 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, established methods manuals, technical references, and appropriate institutional licenses, plus State regulations and Federal statutes.

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

• A Bachelor's degree with courses in the physical or biological sciences and two years of experience in radiation health which included performing radiation surveys, operating radiation survey meters, and monitoring radiation levels; OR  
• Three years of experience in radiation health which included performing radiation surveys, operating radiation survey meters, and monitoring radiation levels.