Position Function:
The EH&S Specialist for Radiological Safety will administer environmental health and safety programs to provide a safe and healthy environment for our campus community. The EH&S Specialist will serve as the University’s appointed Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Laser Safety Officer. Primary duties will be performed in accordance with the MSU Radiation Safety Manual and include the day-to-day administration and coordination of the University’s environmental health and safety programs in a responsive manner that provides the highest level of service to the campus community. The EH&S Specialist will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, nationally recognized standards and university policies and procedures. The EH&S Specialist will also work with the University’s Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), and Executive Management to implement Radiation Safety policies and directives across a wide array of radiological research. The EH&S Specialist reports to the Associate Director of EH&S.
Salary Grade: 15/16
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
See the Environmental Health & Safety website @ehs.msstate.edu for further information.
Area of Specialization:
Radiological Safety
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Manages or coordinates the development and implementation of a comprehensive environmental health and safety programs with a focus on radiological safety programs.
2. Assists faculty and staff with all matters related to radiological safety as established in the MSU Radiation Safety Manual including compliance and interpretation regarding radiological safety regulations and guidelines including radioactive materials shipping requirements, containment practices, risk assessment, work procedures and practices, and decontamination procedures.
3. Participates in the development of radiological safety and security mitigation procedures, emergency/incident response, and safety plans or those applicable to specialization.
4. Assist with or implements radiological safety relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines.
5. Participates in the review and approval of university research protocols and operating procedures applicable to radiological safety and the use of radioactive materials including x-rays and lasers).
6. Participates in planning phases of construction within the context of radiological safety and security.
7. Conducts radiological safety inspections, certifications, and monitors faculty and staff compliance with regard to university policies, procedures, guidelines, national recognized standards, and law.
8. Participates or supports relevant University committees, task forces, or working groups (RSC).
9. Completes Radiation Safety accident and incident resolutions through investigations, recommendation of corrective or preventive measures, and the development or implementation of programs needed to reduce or eliminate the probability of a reoccurrence or those applicable to specialization.
10. Develops, implements, and conducts general training for the campus community (radiation safety, radioactive materials, lasers, x-rays and other sources of ionizing radiation).
11. Shall maintains appropriate expertise on existing and proposed changes in regulations; interprets and applies relevant, laws, regulations, codes and best practices, including making recommendations for work changes based on interpretations and principles of professional practices for Radiation Safety areas.
12. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
EH&S Specialist Level III:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field including but not limited to physics, radiation biology, radiological or nuclear engineering, health physics and Four (4) Years of experience in applied health physics or radiological safety in a research environment under a broad scope license.
EH&S Specialist Level IV:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field including but not limited to physics, radiation biology, radiological or nuclear engineering, health physics and Six (6) Years of experience in applied health physics or radiological safety in a research environment under a broad scope license.
Assignment of job level will be commensurate with a candidate’s level of education and experience.
Additional education attainment may be substituted to meet the minimum required experience and preferred experience.
Additional experience exceeding preferred experience may be substituted to meet the preferred education of any job level.
Preferred Qualifications:
EH&S Specialist Level III:
Master’s degree in Radiation Biology, Radiological or Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, or a related science-based field and successful completion of 120+ hours of formal training in radiation safety and health physics.
Four (4) years of position-related experience in radiological safety in applied health physics or radiological safety in a research environment.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), and Associate Safety and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), National Registration of Radiation Protection Technologies (NRRPT), Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
EH&S Specialist Level IV:
Master’s degree in Radiation Biology, Radiological or Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, or a related science-based field and successful completion of 200+ hours of formal training in radiation safety and health physics.
Six (6) years of position-related experience in radiological safety in applied health physics or radiological safety in a research environment.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), and Associate Safety and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), National Registration of Radiation Protection Technologies (NRRPT), Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.
Possess an understanding of relevant federal laws and guidelines.
Able to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
Demonstrate self-motivation and attention to detail.
Able to work in a team environment and foster cooperative relationships within MSU and within the community.
Able to review goals, analyze processes and develop approaches required to meet objectives.
Familiar with database and website systems.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position may require work with hazardous materials or be in areas where radiation-producing equipment, radioactive materials, chemicals, or infectious agents are present. Wearing personal protective equipment and a respirator in certain circumstances may be required.
Physical requirements include frequent sitting, talking, hearing, walking, and standing. Occasionally requires reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to ten pounds.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
