Job Description
Department: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) / Compliance
Location: Swanzey, New Hampshire
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Summary
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the organization’s radiation safety program to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The RSO oversees the safe use, handling, and disposal of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment, ensuring protection of personnel, the public, and the environment from unnecessary exposure.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with NRC, FDA, EPA, OSHA, and state radiation control regulations.
- Maintain the organization’s radioactive materials license(s) and registrations for processing radioactive materials.
- Prepare and submit all required regulatory reports, renewals, and notifications.
Program Management
- Develop, implement, and update the Radiation Safety Program policies and procedures.
- Conduct regular radiation safety audits, surveys, and inspections across facilities.
- Manage radiation dosimetry, exposure monitoring, and bioassay programs.
- Maintain accurate inventory, receipt, use, and disposal records of radioactive materials and equipment.
Training and Education
- Conduct radiation safety training for all personnel who work with or around radiation sources.
- Provide specialized instruction on emergency procedures, contamination control, and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.
Emergency Preparedness
- Develop and maintain emergency response procedures for radiation incidents.
- Coordinate and lead response activities during radiation spills, leaks, or exposures.
- Investigate incidents, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
Technical and Administrative Support
- Maintain calibration records of radiation detection and monitoring instruments.
- Serve as the primary contact with regulatory agencies and inspectors.
- Provide technical guidance to staff on safe radiation practices.
Qualifications
Education:
- Extensive knowledge of Health Physics, Radiological Science, or a related field. ANSI 3.1 Senior Radiation Protection qualifications (minimum).
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in radiation safety or health physics, preferably in a commercial nuclear plant, government nuclear facility or industrial waste processing setting.
- Experience managing NRC or Agreement State licenses strongly preferred.
Certifications:
- Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP) or eligibility preferred.
- Will require registration as an RSO with the relevant regulatory agency.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of radiation protection principles and applicable regulations (10 CFR Parts 19, 20, 30, 35, etc.).
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for training and regulatory interactions.
- Proficient with radiation monitoring instruments, databases, and reporting systems.
Working Conditions
- Work will involve entry into industrial areas where radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment are used.
- Oversight of technicians and radiation worker staff.
- Occasional after-hours or emergency response duties may be required.