Radioactive Materials Inspector

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Job Description:

Works under the direction of the Radioactive Materials Inspection Branch Manager, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Conducts independent inspections and investigations for complex level uses (see list in the Essential Job Functions section) of radioactive material licensed operations to determine compliance with 25 Texas Administrative Code 289 (TAC). Prepares and submits complex, and highly advanced compliance and inspection activity reports to the Radiation Operations Branch for review and evaluation. May provide testimony on highly technical radiological health physics issues. Participates as a member of the DSHS Radiological Emergency Response Team during exercises and actual emergency responses. Performs health physics activities and compliance duties, as assigned. Responds to general information inquiries. Reports to the Radioactive Materials Inspection Branch Manager. Assists in the training of new radioactive materials inspectors in health physics topics, regulations, and radiation control program procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(45%) Exercises extensive latitude in planning, scheduling, and conducting independent inspections and investigations for all types and uses of sources of radiation (see list below). Plans, conducts, and coordinates environmental radiological surveys involving all types and uses of sources of radiation. Evaluates and provides radiation assessments and risk assessments for all types and uses of sources of radiation. Performs dose and risk assessments from exposure to sources of radiation. Performs radiological assessments to determine the adequacy of radiation shielding in accelerator facilities, radiation source containers, or storage areas. Evaluates radiological sampling data or calculates radiation doses from internal and/or external exposure to radiation to determine the effects of the exposure to individuals involved in radiological incidents or other events to determine the radiological health and the environmental impact. May act in a decision-making or leadership role during inspections and investigations.
(35%) Assists other staff during inspections and investigations. Prepares independent scientific and technical inspection and investigation reports for all types and uses of sources of radiation. Submits comprehensive inspection and investigation reports using the Inspection Unit's guidelines to ensure the application of radiological health standards as set forth in the Texas Regulation Control Act, Texas Administrative Code, and various federal regulations. Follows sensitive information protection policies. Evaluates statistical radiological and environmental radiation data and interprets results in regard to their environmental impact.
(10%) Provides highly technical training of field and central office inspectors. Provides technical consultation concerning compliance procedures and risk assessments regarding the use of radiation sources to Surveillance Section staff, other state and federal agencies, and members of the public. Coordinates training of inspectors with supervisor to achieve the Radiation Unit's goals developed within the Department's strategic plan. Provides highly technical input regarding the program's guidelines for performing inspections and investigations and the related documentation. Provides technical assistance to the public, regulated community, program staff, and other state and federal agencies concerning risk assessments from sources of radiation. Assists in the interpretation of regulations. Coordinates and refers escalated enforcement actions to appropriate staff. Assists in the development of rules and inspection procedures. Makes observations and recommendations on the inspection program to maintain efficiency, effectiveness, and inspection proficiency.
(05%) Performs duties as assigned as a member of the Radiological Emergency Response Team in support of the State Radiological Emergency Management Plan. Travels to radiological incidents and emergencies with little notice.
(05%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. The following is a listing of complex level duties referenced as essential duties: processors of loose radioactive material (RAM), multidisciplinary facilities using RAM including medical, academic, research & development, and manufacture & distributors, other highly advanced technologies, accelerators, commercial manufacture and distribution, transportation packaging evaluation, other advanced technologies, radioactive waste and NORM processors, broad scope authorizations, decontamination services, industrial radiography, teletherapy, wireline services, nuclear pharmacy, nuclear medicine facilities, single-discipline academic research and development, self-contained irradiators, unshielded (pool) irradiators, mobile scanning services, other services (e.g. leak testing & analysis, instrument calibration, device installation & repair, source exchange, etc.), tracer studies, in-vitro laboratory, industrial x-ray radiography, lasers, remote controlled brachytherapy, large academic and medical facilities, fixed and portable nuclear gauges, eye applicators, gas chromatograph, reciprocity, bone mineral analyzer, medical in-vitro, and other uses not otherwise classified as advanced or highly advanced. Worksite and environmental conditions for this job include travel 35% day and 10% overnight, working irregular hours, working indoors and outdoors, working on ladders or scaffolding, exposure to excessive heat, humidity, cold, dampness, and noise, exposure to dry atmosphere, grease, oils and combustibles, exposure to ionizing radiation, and working in varied weather and on varied terrain. Physical demands of this job include lifting up to 35 pounds, pulling up to 35 pounds, carrying up to 35 pounds, and pushing up to 35 pounds. Physical demands of this job also include repeated bending, simple grasping, finger/manual dexterity, standing, crawling, kneeling, climbing stairs, vision, reaching above the shoulder, dual simultaneous grasping, sitting, walking, twisting the upper body, stooping, climbing ladders, and hearing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications: 

None 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of function, design, capabilities, limitations, and proper operation of equipment utilized for radiation detection, measurement, and identification. Skilled in analysis of radiation data and related technical information. Skilled in the use of radiation detection, monitoring, and measuring instruments, including but not limited to: Geiger counters, ionization chambers, scintillation detectors, multichannel analyzers, and dose-measuring instrumentation. Skilled in technical writing, verbal communication, interview techniques, and protection of information. Skilled in the collection of soil, water, air, and other environmental samples. Ability to interpret laws and regulations for both internal and external customers. Ability to communicate technical information at various levels of understanding. Ability to communicate effectively and to be tactful and diplomatic in adverse situations. Ability to detect and evaluate radiation and public health hazards. Ability to use proper inspection procedures and logic pathways to determine the compliance status of licensees and industrial registrants. Ability to perform mathematical calculations of radioactive half-live, activity, time/distance/shielding, exposure rates, dose determinations, counting statistics, and other highly advanced environmental quality work. Ability to coordinate and prioritize workloads with minimal supervision. Knowledge of function and operational characteristics of exposure devices, gauges/test equipment, and radiation-producing devices commonly utilized by industrial and medical licensees and registrants in the course of their business. Knowledge of broad scope authorizations, processors of loose radioactive material (RAM), nuclear pharmacy, decontamination services for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), multidisciplinary medical facility using RAM, industrial irradiators, commercial manufacturing and distribution, waste and NORM processors, nuclear medicine, medical therapy, well logging, industrial radiography, waste handling, transportation, NORM, major processing, and academic and research procedures which use RAM. Knowledge of radiation control, radiological health, and State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to radiation control and safety. Knowledge of inspection/investigation procedures and practices. Knowledge of information resources on RAM, radiation control, health physics, and environmental surveillance. Knowledge of radiation safety practices and techniques. Skilled in evaluating the hazards and effects of radiation, RAM, and lasers on people and the environment.  

Initial Selection Criteria:

Required Criteria: The applicant must meet the following criteria: Bachelor of Science degree from a U.S. accredited college/university in an academic discipline of the physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in one or more of the listed academic disciplines.

Generally Preferred Criteria: In addition to meeting the required criteria, the following nine (9) criteria are GENERALLY PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED; the hiring supervisor may consider any applicant that does not meet any or all of the generally preferred criteria for this position and may give preference to an applicant that meets one or more of the generally preferred criteria.
1. Experience as an inspector in a state and/or federal program.
2. Experience in health physics, radiation sciences, working in a radiation safety program.
3. Experience writing reports and/or organizing, preparing, and presenting information in written and/or verbal format.
4. Experience using computers for such functions as data recording, word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail programs.
5. Experience with state and/or federal laws, regulations/rules, and directives. 6. Experience in a regulatory or quality control position requiring direct contact with the public.
7. Experience communicating with the public.
8. Experience as a quality assurance reviewer or license reviewer.
9. Experience with sampling criteria, evidence development, or investigations

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form