Pantex Planner

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Pantex Planner 
Job Title: Health Physicist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Radiation 
Posting Number: 13187 
Closing Date: 02/13/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,61DX,72A,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs Advanced senior level Health Physics and radiation control work. Working with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement, coordinates development of emergency response procedures, Pantex environmental monitoring program, establishes and performs coordination of emergency exercises and environmental monitoring activities, acts as on-site liaison to Pantex emergency responders during emergency exercises and actual emergencies.  Coordinates with Department of Energy and DSHS to Evaluate nuclear weapons assembly/disassembly processes and strategic nuclear material storage practices to evaluate accident types and potential off-site consequences Coordinates with DSHS Radiation Control Program's (RCP) Pantex emergency planner to develop emergency plan and procedures governing response to a radiological accident at the U. S. Department of Energy's Pantex Plant. Participates in RCP planning and exercises activities with the U. S. Department of Energy and other affected federal, state and local agencies.  Coordinates development of scenarios with Pantex emergency planner for emergency response exercises involving highly advanced radiological monitoring equipment and computer dose projection models.  Plans, supervises, and provides training for RCP emergency response team and other response organizations relating to performance of senior level health physics work.  Performs independent scientific and technical review and evaluation of highly technical safety analysis and engineering plans for the transport of nuclear material on State and Federal highways.   Candidates for this position will be subject to a pre-employment security review to determine employment eligibility.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Performs scientific and technical review of Pantex Plant nuclear weapons assembly/disassembly plans and facilities to evaluate potential environmental off-site consequences.  Researches and reviews environmental and radiological emergency planning documentation in the development of DSHS environmental program planning for Pantex. Measures emissions from a variety of radioactive materials at Pantex Plant. Determines and predicts the movement of radioactivity through the environment.  Consults and coordinates with other state and federal radiation control, security, and emergency agencies, special interest groups, the public, or DSHS personnel on Pantex radiation and environmental issues. Develops and provides technical guidance on procedures based on health physics knowledge, radiation control functions and statutory authority.  Maintains DSHS’s Pantex environmental monitoring program.  Represents the DSHS Radiation Control Program in conferences, workshops and other efforts to resolve program issues involving other federal, state, local or industry interests. (35%)
Coordinates training needs of local and state emergency responders for potential radiological emergencies at Pantex Plant. Coordinates with Pantex Plant and local jurisdiction to provide training for responders and local jurisdiction officials in areas of radiological monitoring, personnel decontamination and setup and operation of monitoring/decontamination facilities, reception centers, and access control points.  Coordinates with DSHS planners to provide training for DSHS and other state agency emergency response teams relating to performance of highly advanced technical duties during emergency response activities utilizing highly advanced radiological analytical equipment, radiological monitoring equipment, and computer modeling equipment used to assess radiation doses and radiological deposition. Identifies emergency response training requirements and either recommends training available from other agencies or develops appropriate programs and conducts training as requested. (25%)
Actively participates or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Actively participate in the agency’s radiological emergency response team.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. On an as-assigned basis, participates in assigned role(s) in public health, COOP, or radiological emergency response drills and events. (15%)
Coordinates review and selection of radiation monitoring systems, with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment, prepares highly advanced technical reports concerning radiation instrumentation and equipment (15%)
Coordinates health physics activities and conducts research and development related to radiation detection equipment and systems supporting emergency response and environmental monitoring activities specific to Pantex Plant.  (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

-radiation control, radiological health, and environmental laws and regulations, and of radiation safety practices and techniques.
-the principals and mechanics of emergency plan development and maintenance. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances and laws.
-the objectives and goals of radiological emergency management, including knowledge of the tasks which must be accomplished to achieve those objectives and goals.
-radiation detection instrumentation.
-plans and procedures governing emergency management within the nuclear industry.
-Nuclear Reactor Power Plant systems and operations.
-Texas State Emergency Plan and an understanding of the functions and capabilities of Texas Emergency Management Council member agencies.
-computerized data systems

Skills in:

-the operation, maintenance and calibration of environmental hazard detection equipment.
-the use of radiation detection, monitoring, and measuring instruments; in the collection of environmental samples; in radiological computer applications; and in the use of research techniques
-analyzing and interpreting radiation data.

Ability to:

-Ability to interpret and use radiation shielding designs and radiological and statistical data; to communicate effectively; to interpret laws and regulations; to apply health physics and other scientific principles; and to detect and evaluate radiation hazards; and to supervise the work of others.
-analyze problems, recognizing contributing factors and identifying tasks necessary to achieve unified solutions.
-schedule work to maintain necessary balance between various contributing elements.
-establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other programs within the department and within other agencies.
-work with and train technical and administrative staff to maintain high level of emergency preparedness.
-plan and conduct exercises testing the Bureau's capability to meet its responsibilities in radiological emergency management.
-analyze existing and proposed Federal State regulations; identifying potential impacts upon the emergency management functions of the Bureau, and drafting endorsements, rebuttals or alternate proposals where appropriate Ability to evaluate radiation detection systems.
-acquire requisite knowledge through on-the-job training.
-plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others; to conduct inspections, surveys, and studies; to analyze environmental samples; and to prepare concise reports and technical papers.
-maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure systems by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations related to national security and foreign ownership restrictions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health physics, nuclear or environmental engineering, environmental or natural sciences, chemistry, or a related field. Four years of experience may be substituted for formal education.

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form