Health Physics Technician III

This series of job classifications includes positions in which 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. The work performed by the Health Physics Technician requires application of radiation detection principles, knowledge of regulatory requirements and proficiency in one or more of the following areas: radioactive material and swipe surveys, area radiation monitoring, and radiological work control development. Although health physicists, engineers, and area managers are responsible for project assignments and development of the theoretical or conceptual aspects of the work, the Health Physics Technician will be expected to use their technical knowledge to implement specific details of their daily tasks and off-normal duties. Typically, Health Physics Technician positions start at Health Physics Technician I level and fulfill mandated training program requirements by the end of the first year of employment. If hired at the Health Physics Technician II (HPT II) or higher, the technician must complete practical factors and additional site specific requirements within the six-month probationary period.

Works independently and with minimal supervision or guidance. Work will be "spot checked" for quality only rarely. Duties which require higher level approval will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

Assignments often require detailed study and thorough analysis of various complex courses of action. HPTs III are expected to evaluate options and determine the most appropriate approach to job coverage, including survey methods and proposing solutions when several conflicting requirements are involved.

Review Radiological Work Permits (RWPs) for accuracy, completeness, and radiological work controls. Technicians at this level are pro-active in their approach to radiological protection, seeking out problems and weaknesses, and implementing solutions.

Technicians at the HPT III level are considered fully qualified DOE Radiological Control Technicians.

Complete all required training and testing qualifications. HPT III must re qualify every two years by completing re-qualification elements detailed in the SLAC HPT Training Program, SLAC I 720-2A04G-006, and based on the DOE Radiological Control Technician Training Program. Training will be subject to periodic update.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• 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 down times
• Cover 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 full range of field and fixed radiation detection equipment; perform specialty measurements for health physics professionals.
• Analyze and investigate and respond to 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 the 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 of the duties described in the HPT II specification or other duties as assigned.
• Adhere to safety rules.

Minimum Education and Experience

In addition to the qualifications for the HPT I, HPT II, the HPT III requires five years’ practical work experience on several different assignments so that working knowledge will include some breadth in areas such as radiation detection and measurement, electronics, and regulatory directives.

Qualifications include taking a written academic examination, and successfully completing both site-specific examinations and practical (demonstrative) examinations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A detailed understanding of the use, applicability and operation of a variety of field and fixed radiation detection equipment. Must be able to use these instruments in non-routine and specialty assignments.
• Ability to apply As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles of radiation protection to work being planned.
• Ability to recognize unusual readings or trends and take appropriate actions as necessary.
• Must understand the difference between “low-level liability” and “high liability” radiological control jobs and be able to cover the full range of radiological control work.
• Must be able to perform and understand non-routine sampling methods for air, liquid and solid materials for radiological controls and characterization.
• Must be able to work effectively with all levels of staff.
• Must be able contribute to the development and maintenance health physics guidelines.
• Completion of all SLAC requirements for HPT III including Core academics, practical factors, and Oral Board. These must be completed while an HPT II and prior to reclassification as HPT III.
• Must have computer skills and demonstrated proficiency in office software and email applications such as Excel, Word, and Power Point for generating reports, procedures, and presentations.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Must possess and maintain a valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.