Health Physics Technician III

About the Role

This series of job classifications includes positions in which the major function involves performing a wide variety of health physics support duties assigned to the Environment, Safety and Health Division and Radiation Protection Department at SLAC. There are four levels in the series: Health Physics Technician I (HPTI), Health Physics Technician II (HPT II), Health Physics Technician III (HPT III), and Health Physics Technician Lead. These levels are differentiated by the degree of specialized knowledge and technical skills, legally defined training and testing required by the Department of Energy (DOE), as well as the extent of required supervision and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Transmit radiological work controls and policies received from supervisor to the line; advise supervisor of work progress.
• Inspect work for conformance with established radiological controls.
• Provide radiological worker practical training.
• Generate, review, and sign Radiological Work Permits (RWPs).
• Assist Operations and Accelerator Area Managers in scheduling and planning radiological work during Planned Accessible Machine Maintenance (PAMM), Planned Operational Machine Maintenance (POMM) days, and other scheduled downtimes.
• Cover the full range of radiation control jobs, including “high liability” assignments.
• Evaluate and document Radiological Work Permits (RWPs) "Lessons Learned" and accumulated radiation exposures.
• Review, evaluate, and sign data from liquid scintillation and gamma-spectral analysis.
• Perform complex waste characterization using spectral analysis equipment.
• Use a full range of field and fixed radiation detection equipment; perform specialty measurements for health physics professionals.
• Analyze and investigate unusual trends and recommend follow-up activities; may conduct special analytical studies.
• Work closely with emergency response personnel in situations involving radiation and radioactive materials.
• Conduct tasks related to the transportation of radioactive materials and ensure Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations are followed.
• Perform decontamination of personnel.
• Ensure that safety rules are followed; exercise "Stop Work" authority for radiologically unsafe workers or working conditions.
• May perform any duties described in the HPT II specification or other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completion of all required training and testing qualifications, including re-qualification every two years as per the SLAC HPT Training Program and DOE Radiological Control Technician Training Program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• Five years’ practical work experience on several different assignments, including radiation detection and measurement, electronics, and regulatory directives.
• Successful completion of written academic examinations, site-specific examinations, and practical (demonstrative) examinations.
• Detailed understanding of the use, applicability, and operation of various field and fixed radiation detection equipment.
• Ability to apply As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles of radiation protection.
• Ability to recognize unusual readings or trends and take appropriate actions.
• Understanding of the difference between “low-level liability” and “high liability” radiological control jobs.
• Proficiency in non-routine sampling methods for air, liquid, and solid materials for radiological controls and characterization.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with all levels of staff.
• Contribution to the development and maintenance of health physics guidelines.
• Completion of SLAC requirements for HPT III, including Core academics, practical factors, and Oral Board while at HPT II level.
• Proficiency in office software and email applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Detailed understanding of radiation detection principles, regulatory requirements, and proficiency in radioactive material and swipe surveys, area radiation monitoring, and radiological work control development.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance.
• Skill in evaluating options and determining the most appropriate approach to job coverage, including survey methods and proposing solutions for conflicting requirements.
• Proactive approach to radiological protection, identifying problems, and implementing solutions.