Health Physicist

This position is being filled using the government-wide direct hire authority for STEM Physical Sciences 1306 Series. There is one vacancy available in either Lakewood, CO or Reston, VA, with the final location determined upon selection.

Pay

• Lakewood, CO: $118,675 (Step 01) to $154,280 (Step 10)
• Reston, VA: $121,785 (Step 01) to $158,322 (Step 10)

First-time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at Step 01.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the USGS Health Physicist and Radiation Safety Officer, applying expert knowledge, experience, and skill in radiation safety.
• Lead, develop, and implement the USGS Bureau Radiation Safety Program, covering all radioactive materials, licenses, and ionizing radiation-producing equipment.
• Act as the Executive Secretary for the Radiation Safety Committee, scheduling meetings, providing information, and serving as the liaison between scientists and the Committee.
• Conduct, review, and provide guidance on radiological exposure assessments, audits, inspections, assistance visits, program evaluations, and analysis of various doses and types of radiological hazards.
• Implement requirements for the broad scope license, special nuclear material, and generally licensed materials and devices.

Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office environment, radiation analytical lab, field installations, and during visits to science centers, research labs, and field sites. The role may require:

• Strenuous physical exertion, such as climbing ladders, carrying heavy equipment, and moving lead shielding.
• Considerable travel involving walking, climbing, and other physical activities associated with program evaluations.

Work Environment

Work settings include offices, radiation analytical labs, field installations, and visits to science centers, research labs, and other field locations. Exposure to safety and health hazards may include:

• Ionizing radiation, high voltage, and chemical hazards.
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, earmuffs, safety glasses, gloves, and full-body Tyvek suits.

Conditions of Employment

• A one-year probationary period is required, during which continued employment is evaluated based on performance, agency needs, and public interest.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.
• A background investigation is required, and continued employment is contingent upon successful completion and favorable adjudication.
• A valid state driver’s license and safe driving record are required. Proof must be provided upon selection.
• A pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of the job.
• Operation of a government-owned or leased vehicle is required for official duties.
• Applicants must apply for a government charge card within 30 days of appointment. Delinquent account balances may prevent issuance of a new card.

Requirements

Basic Education Requirement

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in natural science or engineering, including at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.
• A combination of education and experience, including courses equivalent to the above, plus appropriate experience or other education, or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, with experience providing an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics.

Specialized Experience for GS-13 Level

One year of professional experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service, directly related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience includes:

• Technical expertise in radiation safety programs and policies, including work with radiological safety technology, radiation physics, and dosimetry, with emphasis on ionizing radiation in science and industry.
• Recent experience associated with a regulatory program focused on safety.

Qualifying experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations.

Additional Information

• This announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in the advertised office or other USGS offices in the local commuting area.
• Applications containing vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language will be ineligible for consideration.
• Foreign education must be evaluated for comparability to U.S. accredited education. Visit USGS Foreign Education Evaluation for details.
• Applicants must certify that their own words were used to answer essay questions included in the application process.
• Applicants agree to have their application shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior for similar vacancies.

Benefits

The position is suitable for telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and supervisor approval. The official worksite is the duty station identified in this announcement.