University of South Carolina Hiring for Associate Radiation Safety Officer at Columbia Full Time

Posting Number:

STA01453PO23

Job Family:

Environmental Health & Safety

Job Function:

Research Safety

USC Market Title:

Assoc Radiation Safety Officer

Link to USC Market Title:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/158086

Job Level:

P4 – Professional

Business Title (Internal Title):

Associate Radiation Safety Officer

Campus:

Columbia

Work County:

Richland

College/Division:

Division of Administration and Finance

Department:

DAF EHS Research Safety

State Pay Band:

8

Approved Starting Salary:

$72,093

Advertised Salary Range:

$72,093 – $108,139

Part/Full Time:

Full Time

Hours per Week:

37.5

Work Schedule:

Standard Office Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis :

12 months

Job Search Category:

Environmental Health and Safety

About University of South Carolina:

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Diversity Statement:

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Advertised Job Summary:

The Associate Radiation Safety Officer assists the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to develop, implement, and improve a comprehensive Radiation Safety Program. This position assists to fulfill regulatory requirements for the use of radioactive materials, x-rays, and lasers. This position will serve as the alternate subject matter expert on safety and compliance for all forms of radioactive materials, ionizing radiation (including x-rays for medical and research use), hazardous forms of non-ionizing radiation (including hazardous lasers) and magnetic fields. This position will promote a laboratory safety culture. The Associate RSO will be expected to foster a partnership with university faculty, staff, and students to enable them to recognize radiation risks and to implement appropriate risk controls. This position will also serve as a part of a collaborative research safety team.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in health physics, natural or physical sciences, mathematics, public health, engineering, or related technical field and 2 years experience in environmental health programs or radiological health or conducting research involving radiological hazards, or a bachelor’s degree and 4 years of related experience. Driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Basic understanding of the principles and practices related to radiation safety and health physics. Certification, or willingness to work toward certification, by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP), Board of Laser Safety (CLSO) or another related professional Board (CIH, CSP). Experience in the development and calculations for laser safety hazard analysis and laser safety program development, including management of Class 3B and 4 lasers, as recommended in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for research use of hazardous laser energies. Experience managing and working with analytical and diagnostic medical X-ray and fluoroscopy machines.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must be currently able or willing to gain experience to fulfill the criteria required for approval by SC DHEC as the named Radiation Safety Officer on the USC License in the event of an extended absence of the RSO. Ability to communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, staff, students, managers, department chairs, and regulatory officials. Basic knowledge and experience involving radiation hazards. Ability to interpret and apply radiation safety regulations, standards, and guidelines. Skills to develop radiation safety policies and reports. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and implement operations with a customer service perspective. Exceptional organizational, time-management, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to solve complex problems associated with radiation safety and compliance issues. Ability to establish positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Skills to work as part of a collaborative team in the Office of Research Safety and with other groups. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products, including Excel programming and calculations. Ability to learn and effectively use the USC Research Safety Management system for program activities.

Job Duty:

Reviews and understands the USC Type A Broad Scope radioactive materials license and other required licenses and registrations. Recommends revisions or improvements to guidance documents, internal regulatory calculation processes, license commitments, and standard operating procedures to promote research safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Assists the RSO to implement any identified opportunities for improvement. Prepares reports or metrics requested by the RSO. Recommends program website updates for effective guidance on x-rays and lasers.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

15

Job Duty:

Serves as the primary contact for the analytical and medical X-ray safety program and electronic ionizing radiation portable survey meters. Collaborates with primary field operators of analytical X-ray machines to initiate and/or maintain written procedures to fulfill compliance requirements. Maintains and updates SC DHEC X-ray registrations. Partners with diagnostic medical x-ray operators to fulfill SC DHEC operator registration requirements. Conducts annual reviews of all medical and analytical X-ray units. Reviews, updates, and improves current SOPs. Develops and implements SOPs for newly installed X-ray machines. Maintains and annually calibrates all portable survey meters to measure ionizing radiation. Sends all exposure rate survey meters to licensed calibration facilities.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

30

Job Duty:

Serves as the primary contact for the laser safety program. Conducts an annual review and hazard analysis to promote the safe use of all hazardous lasers (Class 3B and 4) in accordance with current guidelines in ANSI series Z136. Conducts calculations for optical density requirements of laser safety eyewear, nominal hazard zones, and other parameters in consultation with Principal Investigators (PI) using a hazardous laser. Assesses complex laser setups with multiple laser beam conditioning devices, mirrors, beam stops and lenses on light tables. Writes standard operating procedures (SOPs) in consultation with the PI to mitigate the risks of laser hazards outlined in the hazard analysis. Develops, maintains, and continuously improves laser safety training programs.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

25

Job Duty:

Assists the RSO to maintain annual regulatory compliance reporting. Assists the RSO with other duties when requested to effectively manage all risks subject to program oversight. Serves as the Alternate RSO to perform duties of the RSO when the RSO is absent and unable to perform specific duties.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Job Duty:

Promotes health physics policies based on current published research. Reviews journals and scientific reporting on measurement outcomes and the impact to human health associated with ionizing and non-ionizing radiation exposures. Participates in professional development to become a recognized health physics subject matter expert in the USC community. Accepts appointments to safety committees and attends committee meetings.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive:

No

Hazardous weather category:

Essential

Number of Vacancies:

1

Desired Start Date:

01/15/2024

Job Open Date:

12/14/2023

Job Close Date:

01/28/2024

Open Until Filled:

No

Special Instructions to Applicant:

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by January 28, 2024The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.Quicklink for Posting:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/160697

EEO Statement:

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.