Radiation Safety Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Department of Radiation Safety is a unit within University Health and Safety which is part of University Services and reports to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations. In addition to the Department of Radiation Safety, there are five functional groups within University Health and Safety; Biosafety and Occupational Health Department, Building Code Department, Health Emergency Response Office, Department of Emergency Management, and Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

The Campus Operations Professional 2 - Health and Safety position has a working title of Radiation Safety Specialist and reports to the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer/Program Manager. The incumbent is a member of a team that provides radiation safety services to all University facilities state-wide. The Department of Radiation Safety is a team of eight professional staff and six student employees. In addition to the University duties, the Department of Radiation Safety also provides radiation safety services to multiple clinic and hospital facilities affiliated with the University.
University Health and Safety and the University of Minnesota provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Radioactive Materials Compliance (25%)
* Conduct routine audits of radioactive material use permits to ensure compliance with University policy and license conditions
* Conduct contamination assessments of radioactive material use areas
* Assess radiation exposure levels in research facilities
* Assist with delivery of radioactive material to research facilities
* Assist researchers with the preparation of radioactive waste documentation
* Conduct training on radiation safety with research staff and faculty.

X-ray Compliance (20%):
* Conduct audits of research, veterinary, and human medical facilities which utilize x-ray generating equipment.
* Measure, collect, and evaluate data related to x-ray equipment performance
* Conduct training on radiation safety with research and clinical staff and faculty.

Radiation Dosimetry Services (25%):
* Manage day-to-day dosimetry program duties such as new requests, cancellations, and reports
* Coordinate investigations of radiation exposures that exceed internal reporting requirements
* Coordinate vendor communications to resolve service issues
* Participate and advise on vendor contracting for dosimetry services

Hospital and Clinic Based Services (20%):
* Prepare, monitor, and decontaminate patient care facilities where radioactive material is used.
* Monitor and assess radioactive waste prior to disposal
* Provide training to hospital staff, patients, and families regarding radioactive material and x-ray exposures.

Other Program Duties (10%):
* Assist with other programs within the Department of Radiation Safety
* Remain current and participate in continuing education and training opportunities related to University policy and best practices
* Participate in department, college, and University events, meetings, projects and initiatives

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* BA/BS with at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* BA/BS degree related to health physics, medical physics, engineering, biochemistry, nuclear medicine, or veterinary medicine.
* Experience working in a higher education research or clinical environment; familiarity with University of Minnesota policies and procedures.
* Experience with equipment and techniques used in assessing radioactive contamination and exposure.
* Familiarity with Federal and State rules for the use of radioactive material or ionizing radiation producing equipment.
* Computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Excel and web database reporting.
* Experience managing and prioritizing multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
* This position is primarily based in an office setting with frequent visits to research laboratory and clinical environments.
* This position requires routine exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation. Exposure near regulatory limits is extremely unlikely.
* Must be able to move 25-pound equipment 10 times per hour for up to 4 hours per day.
* Must be able to move 50-pound equipment with assistance occasionally.
* Must be able to bend or kneel to reach the floor for up to one hour per day multiple days per week.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates under the supervision of the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer with input from other radiation safety program leads. The work is guided by general procedures and professional norms with periodic checks on accuracy, quality, timeliness, and outcomes.

This position requires successful completion of a background check.

Pay Range: $34.61-$40.87/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).