Associate Radiation Safety Officer

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA01453PO23 Job Family Environmental Health & Safety Job Function Research Safety USC Market Title Assoc Radiation Safety Officer Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/158086 Job Level P4 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) Associate Radiation Safety Officer Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Division of Administration and Finance Department DAF EHS Research Safety State Pay Band 8 Approved Starting Salary $72,093 Advertised Salary Range $72,093 - $108,139 Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

Standard Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Environmental Health and Safety

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort.

In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability.

The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Radiation Safety Officer assists the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to develop, implement, and improve a comprehensive Radiation Safety Program. This position assists to fulfill regulatory requirements for the use of radioactive materials, x-rays, and lasers.

This position will serve as the alternate subject matter expert on safety and compliance for all forms of radioactive materials, ionizing radiation (including x-rays for medical and research use), hazardous forms of non-ionizing radiation (including hazardous lasers) and magnetic fields. This position will promote a laboratory safety culture. The Associate RSO will be expected to foster a partnership with university faculty, staff, and students to enable them to recognize radiation risks and to implement appropriate risk controls. This position will also serve as a part of a collaborative research safety team.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in health physics, natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering, or related technical field and 2 years experience in environmental health programs or radiological health or conducting research involving radiological hazards, or a bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience. Driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic understanding of the principles and practices related to radiation safety and health physics. Certification, or willingness to work toward certification, by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP), Board of Laser Safety (CLSO) or another related professional Board (CIH, CSP). Experience in the development and calculations for laser safety hazard analysis and laser safety program development, including management of Class 3B and 4 lasers, as recommended in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for research use of hazardous laser energies. Experience managing and working with analytical and diagnostic medical X-ray and fluoroscopy machines.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Must be currently able or willing to gain experience to fulfill the criteria required for approval by SC DHEC as the named Radiation Safety Officer on the USC License in the event of an extended absence of the RSO. Ability to communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, staff, students, managers, department chairs, and regulatory officials.

Basic knowledge and experience involving radiation hazards. Ability to interpret and apply radiation safety regulations, standards, and guidelines. Skills to develop radiation safety policies and reports.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and implement operations with a customer service perspective. Exceptional organizational, time-management, and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to solve complex problems associated with radiation safety and compliance issues. Ability to establish positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Skills to work as part of a collaborative team in the Office of Research Safety and with other groups.

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products, including Excel programming and calculations. Ability to learn and effectively use the USC Research Safety Management system for program activities.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Reviews and understands the USC Type A Broad Scope radioactive materials license and other required licenses and registrations. Recommends revisions or improvements to guidance documents, internal regulatory calculation processes, license commitments, and standard operating procedures to promote research safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Assists the RSO to implement any identified opportunities for improvement. Prepares reports or metrics requested by the RSO. Recommends program website updates for effective guidance on x-rays and lasers.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty

Serves as the primary contact for the analytical and medical X-ray safety program and electronic ionizing radiation portable survey meters. Collaborates with primary field operators of analytical X-ray machines to initiate and/or maintain written procedures to fulfill compliance requirements.

Maintains and updates SC DHEC X-ray registrations. Partners with diagnostic medical x-ray operators to fulfill SC DHEC operator registration requirements. Conducts annual reviews of all medical and analytical X-ray units.

Reviews, updates, and improves current SOPs. Develops and implements SOPs for newly installed X-ray machines. Maintains and annually calibrates all portable survey meters to measure ionizing radiation. Sends all exposure rate survey meters to licensed calibration facilities.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Serves as the primary contact for the laser safety program. Conducts an annual review and hazard analysis to promote the safe use of all hazardous lasers (Class 3B and 4) in accordance with current guidelines in ANSI series Z136.

Conducts calculations for optical density requirements of laser safety eyewear, nominal hazard zones, and other parameters in consultation with Principal Investigators (PI) using a hazardous laser. Assesses complex laser setups with multiple laser beam conditioning devices, mirrors, beam stops and lenses on light tables. Writes standard operating procedures (SOPs) in consultation with the PI to mitigate the risks of laser hazards outlined in the hazard analysis. Develops, maintains, and continuously improves laser safety training programs.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25 Job Duty

Assists the RSO to maintain annual regulatory compliance reporting. Assists the RSO with other duties when requested to effectively manage all risks subject to program oversight. Serves as the Alternate RSO to perform duties of the RSO when the RSO is absent and unable to perform specific duties.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Promotes health physics policies based on current published research. Reviews journals and scientific reporting on measurement outcomes and the impact to human health associated with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation exposures.

Participates in professional development to become a recognized health physics subject matter expert in the USC community. Accepts appointments to safety committees and attends committee meetings.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 2 Desired Start Date 05/01/2024 Job Open Date 12/14/2023 Job Close Date 08/01/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant

This posting is a readvertisement. Applications previously submitted are still being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time.

This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by August 1, 2024.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance

• Retirement Programs

• Paid Tuition

• Dependent Scholarships

• Annual Leave

• Sick Leave

• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/160697 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have at least a master's degree in health physics, natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering, or related technical field and 2 years' experience in environmental health programs or radiological health or conducting research involving radiological hazards, or a bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1

• Letter of Recommendation 2

• Letter of Recommendation 3

• Other Supporting Documents

• Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications