Health Physicist 1

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Radiological Health is seeking a Health Physicist 1 to join our team! 

Under the general supervision of the Bureau Chief of Radiological Health, this position plays a key role in licensing, inspections and technical support for radioactive materials use and emergency response across Iowa. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Application Review and Program Coordination 

• After obtaining adequate Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) training and education and completing initial qualifications for radioactive materials inspectors, this individual will:
  1. Inspect and/or investigate facilities that use radioactive material to ascertain the degree of compliance with the appropriate standards, rules and laws. 
  2. Review and process applications for radioactive materials, ensuring completeness and accuracy. 

Technical Expertise and Compliance Oversight: 

• Provide expert guidance on regulatory requirements and technical aspects of the Radioactive Materials program, including the review of technical documents, radiation protection and measurement, and federal and state regulations pertaining to a wide variety of uses of radioactive materials. 
• Assist the Bureau Chief in researching and addressing technical inquiries related to the Radioactive Materials program. 
• Analyze, coordinate, and prepare compliance and enforcement actions in response to allegations or violations. 
• Possess additional technical expertise to support dose assessment and radiation emergency response during nuclear power plant drills and exercises and/or field expertise to support duties of measuring and evaluating radiological conditions affecting workers, the public, and the environment using radiation detection equipment. 

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders, including general public, professional organizations, manufacturer representatives, licensed facility management, and other government agencies. 
• Represent Iowa HHS at meetings regarding the Agreement State radioactive materials program, regulatory discussions, and radiation emergency response activities. 

Training and Professional Development: 

• Complete government-sponsored core courses in health physics or other specialized training programs as required by federal agencies within specified timeframes. 
• Stay informed of industry advancements to enhance program effectiveness and ensure public health and safety.

Benefits:

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. 

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks:

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. 

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer:

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.