The University of Maryland Baltimore Environmental Health and Safety department is seeking a Radiation Safety Officer. This position will develop, implement, and maintain Radiation Safety programs to create a safe work environment, promote environmentally sound practices, mitigate risks, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, and foster compliance with regulations and requirements of accrediting agencies. The Radiation Safety Officer develops and executes programs to promote the safe use of ionizing radiation and nonionizing radiation (such as microwaves and lasers. Oversee the radiation safety unit by performing radiation safety surveys; monitoring radiation exposures; establishing and monitoring radiation safety procedures; developing and delivering training programs; reviewing research protocols involving radioactive material or machines; responding to the accidental release of radioactive materials; administration of radiation safety committees; applicable records management and assuring compliance with applicable state and federal safety regulations.
This position is Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by June 7th.
All University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) employees are strongly encouraged to follow all CDC recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. UMB’s COVID-19 policy states that employees whose job duties require them to work in clinical settings or at field sites where the COVID-19 vaccination is required must adhere to those protocols. This position has been identified as one which requires the COVID-19 vaccination. For additional information on protocols and exemptions, please visit the COVID 19 website.
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).
Essential Functions
- Serves as Radiation Safety Officer and acts as the university’s qualified expert with the State of Maryland Department of the Environment to ensure effective implementation of a Broadscope Type A Radioactive Materials license and other specific licenses for research and medical uses in accordance with regulations and approved license conditions. Oversees effective management of radiation producing equipment.
- Oversees the institutional Radiation Safety Program in order to ensure safe use of radiation sources in accordance with applicable University/affiliated entity policies, procedures, government regulations, and accreditation standards.
- Provides leadership to staff to achieve goals and vision of Environmental Health and Safety and the day-to-day operations. Responsible for direct supervision, hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountability of the performance of Health Physics employees. Evaluates and provides feedback to other department staff involved with radiation safety to ensure compliance actions and operations are implemented in accordance with approved procedures, regulatory requirements, and best management practices.
- Develops and implements strategic objectives for the radiation safety program.
- Develops and directs the long- and short-term planning to meet business objectives contributing to the University.
- Develops, approves, reviews, and implements radiation safety program policies and procedures for the safe use of radioactive materials, ionizing radiation, and radiation-producing machines and equipment at the university, the affiliated medical center, and other affiliated sites covered by the university’s radioactive materials license.
- Responsible for the development, delivery, and management of radiation safety training for all radiation workers.
- Serves on the radiation safety committee and subcommittees and facilitates the performance of their duties including monitoring of occupational doses to be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), approval or disapproval of authorized users, approval or disapproval of the method of use of radioactive materials, and approval or disapproval of procedures and radiation safety program changes for licensing actions. Reviews protocols for radiation use in research with human and animal subjects, identifies necessary radiation safety measures, and advises the radiation safety committee and subcommittees as part of protocol approval process.
- Oversees accurate completion and filing of reports and documentation required by regulatory agencies.
- Works directly with research and clinical users of radioactive materials to identify appropriate safe practices and conducts oversight of all radiation safety activities. Investigates or oversees all incidents and deviations from approved radiation safety policies, procedures, and practices to implement corrective actions as needed.
- Conceptualizes and directs the development, implementation, and maintenance of radiation safety training programs.
- Oversees and implements a university-wide non-ionizing radiation safety program and laser safety program.
- Implements new radiation safety and security regulations and requirements and develops and submits amendments, renewal applications, and updated plans related to the university’s radioactive materials licenses and related documents and plans.
- Ensures all records related to the UMB radiation safety program are retained in an orderly, compliant manner.
- Monitors contract performance with affiliated hospital, and other entities. Collaborates with senior leadership to ensure contract obligations are met, assist in budgeting, and alert leadership when contract obligations are at risk of not being met.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelors degree in health physics, medical physics, nuclear engineering, or other relevant science related field. Masters degree or higher in health physics, medical physics, nuclear engineering, or other relevant science related field strongly preferred.
Experience: Five (5) years of progressive work experience in radiation safety with at least two (2) years as the regulatory designated radiation safety officer for research or medical use of radioactive materials. Experience with a Type A broad scope program in a university hospital setting preferred.
Supervisory Experience: Two (2) years of direct supervisory experience and responsibility for training, coordinating, and monitoring the work of others.
Certification/Licensure: Radiation-Producing Machine Inspector License preferred.
- Certification by a recognized specialist board such as the American Academy Board of Health Physics (ABHP) as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP) is preferred.
Other: Training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, shipping of hazardous materials or radioactive materials. Offer of employment may be contingent on applicant obtaining medical clearance by university approved medical staff.
Special Conditions of Employment:
- Must meet Maryland radiation safety officer requirements for medical use under COMAR within first three months of employment.
- This position is a critical position subject to a background check to determine if the applicant is deemed “trustworthy and reliable” under federal guidelines. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and identity check. Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety requirements and instructions.
- Physical requirements: Light to moderate physical effort is generally required. The position requires the employee can remain sedentary for 50% of the time. Position also requires staff to position themselves to lower levels, including crouching or kneeling to reach desired location. Occasionally ascend/descend ladders. The employee must be able to carry/move/transport up to 50 pounds on occasion.
- Hazardous materials: The position may, at times, require the employee to work with or be in hazardous areas where radioactive materials, radiation producing machines and equipment, chemicals, or biological materials are present. The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment including a respirator in circumstances where personal protection is determined to be needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Accomplishes responsibilities by primarily (>50%) performing significant managerial functions within area of responsibility.
- Possesses Radiation Safely subject matter expertise in a professional discipline.
- Achieves objectives through coordinated efforts of others, typically by managing recruitment, engagement, performance, and development of employees.
- Develops, implements, and manages goals and objectives.
- Participates in strategic planning. Determines and enforces processes, practices, and/or policies. Manages operations, workflow, projects, and/or systems that have strategic impact. Accountable for operational and/or financial resources. Accountable for legal and policy compliance.
- Primarily supports upper-level senior professionals in the overall strategic direction (rather than daily operations) of, Radiation Safety within Environmental Health & Safety department.
- Develops and executes strategic goals and objectives. Responsible for planning, development, and implementation of strategies. Substantial latitude to make managerial decisions within area of responsibility. Upper senior professionals rely on expertise and advice to make financial, personnel, and significant strategic decisions. Significant authority to act on behalf of upper-level senior professionals as needed.
- Thorough knowledge of Radiation Safety requirements. Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.
- Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.
- Ability to support a mission and strategic vision. Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships.
- Skill in consultation and change management.
- Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.
The Hiring Range for this position is in the mid $140,000s to mid $170,000s, commensurate with education and experience.
UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.
If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.