Environmental Protection Specialist III

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.

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Functional Title: Environmental Protection Specialist III 
Job Title: Environmental Protect Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Radiation 
Posting Number: 7533 
Closing Date: 08/08/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 30% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8056,8831,180X,1S0X1,3E9X1,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,680X,92W,AG,MSSR,MST,OAP14,OAR15 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Perform advanced (senior-level) environmental work in the Environmental Monitoring Branch. Duties include: exchange and processing of Optically Stimulated Luminescent dosimeters (OSL’s) and obtaining radiation measurements at monitored sites throughout the state, perform database programming to facilitate issuance of quarterly and annual environmental reports, collect and process environmental samples (soil, air, water, etc.) at monitored sites throughout the state, prepare and submit reports following monitoring activities to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Assist in and coordinate the preparation of the annual environmental report for publication. Prepare reports of monitoring results for submission to monitored facilities. Performs periodic calibration of Radiation Inspection Branch survey instruments. Provides training to field radiation control inspectors in proper acquisition of samples and processing of same through the DSHS Laboratory. Maintain proficiency in duties and skills by participating in training programs designed to enhance aptitude, comprehension, and education. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule following agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (20%) Performs advanced environmental surveillance duties. Conducts field surveys and assessments to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Consults and coordinates with department personnel on environmental issues. Plans and develops the activities of routine schedules of environmental surveillance and monitoring to ensure routine schedules are met. Places and recovers OSL’s at designated locations on scheduled frequencies, processes OSL’s, surveys, reviews results, and prepares required notices, reports, and documentation. Obtains air, water, soil, and other environmental samples on scheduled frequencies

EJF 2 (20%) Prepares samples for DSHS Laboratory processing. Controls environmental sample processing by reviewing samples brought in to the Radiation Inspection Branch office, assuring records and sample packaging are correct and transfers sample(s) to DSHS Laboratory.  Segregates and disposes of radiological laboratory samples according to established procedures.

EJF 3 (20%) Plans and supervises calibration and processing of radiation measuring equipment and systems. Plans, develops, and/or supervises the creation of guidance documents related to environmental OSL's. Evaluates statistical and environmental radiation data; interprets the results; and prepares technical reports of findings. Performs instrument calibrations procedures for instruments of Radiation Inspection Branch and field radiation control staff.

EJF 4 (20%) Prepares and reviews technical reports, papers, articles, and provides recommendations regarding findings. Reviews laboratory analysis reports and prepares required notices, reports, and related environmental documentation. Prepares OSL quarterly reports of gamma radiation results for facilities under surveillance. Evaluates radiological sampling data or calculates radiation doses from external exposure to radiation to determine radiation dose. Performs preparation of annual environmental reports. Prepares papers and presentations relating to environmental work.

EJF 5 (15%) Plans, develops, establishes, or modifies environmental programs for radiological health. Maintains current programs files and updates various software (databases, maps, etc.) of monitoring stations for each site.

Coordinates, plans, and conducts radiological health activities for the Department under contractual arrangements with state or federal agencies or with other organizations. Provides technical assistance and advice to plant management, the public, and/or other interested groups in the application of appropriate state and federal laws and regulations.

EJF 6: (5 %) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment or location. Performs Emergency Response functions during exercise and actual emergency conditions. Maintains personal and assigned equipment ready for emergency response/deployment. Participates as a lead worker or member of the Department’s and Radiation Emergency Response Team during exercise and actual emergency responses. Coordinates training through the radiation control program's training coordinator, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and approved training courses to maintain required proficiency for assigned emergency response duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of

environmental laws and regulations and of relevant safety practices and techniques.
basic science and math, such as physics, biology, chemistry, calculus, and statistics.
English language sufficient to compose correspondence and write comprehensive reports.
radiation control, health physics, and related environmental policies, procedures, and practices.
function, design, and operation of equipment used in radiation detection, measurement, or environmental monitoring.

Skill in

the use of radiation detection, monitoring, and measuring instruments.
the collection of soil, water, air, and other environmental samples for laboratory processing to determine radioactive and other hazardous material content.
oral and written technical and regulatory communications.
the use of thermoluminescent dosimeter processing equipment.
the use of multi-channel analyzer or similar spectrum analyzing equipment. the use Microsoft Office products

Ability to

train others

communicate effectively

interpret laws and regulations

apply scientific principles and to detect and evaluate environmental and public health hazards.
interpret and use data.
communicate technical information at an appropriate level.
establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and deal with members of the general public.
evaluate sites for potential radiation hazards.
establish priorities in work load and meet deadlines.
perform field work under varied weather and terrain conditions.
work while wearing respiratory protection devices.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Experience writing reports and organizing, preparing, and presenting information in written and verbal format.
2.  Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.

Preferred Criteria

The following criteria are generally preferred but are 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. Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, engineering, physical, natural or life
science.
2. Associate degree in radiation protection technology.
3. Experience collecting and processing environmental samples
4. Experience evaluating environmental sample analyses.
5. Experience preparing technical reports and studies.
6. Experience performing environmental sample analyses.
7. Experience calibrating radiation detection equipment.
8. Experience developing and maintaining databases.

 

Additional Information:

1. Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.
   
   2. PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, specific reason for leaving, and a summary of experience that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
   
   3. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ENTER ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application. Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.
   
   4. This position is eligible for telework, which will be determined by agency and division telework policies. The employee will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. If teleworking, selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.
   
   5. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work extended hours.
   
   6. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
   
   7. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHS Human Resources Manual. Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for any potential changes to their current salary.
   
   8. Consideration will also be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.

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