Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: X7003 / Radiation Safety Officer
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 17
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Research, acts as the principal technical resource to the institution on radiation safety. Advises senior leadership on strategies and tactics relating to the technical and regulatory direction of the radiation safety program. Develops, plans, coordinates and manages radiation safety programs, including the implementation of those programs, to ensure the safety of the University's employees, students and visitors. Ensures radiation safety program compliance with applicable University policies and local, state, and federal regulations. Serves as primary contact for New Mexico Environmental Division (NMED) inspections and all other regulators.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the organizational unit, ensuring compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
  2. Interprets new and existing regulations, advises leadership on technical and regulatory issues regarding the strategic direction of the radiation safety program applies strategic measures as appropriate.
  3. Manages programs of critical importance; works with leadership, individual principal investigators, and the radiation safety staff in the development and implementation of new proposals as well as the coordination and administration of existing projects within the radiation safety program.
  4. Oversees the review of radiation human-use clinical research protocols to ensure proper disclosure of radiation exposure and ensure compliance with University policies and local, state and federal regulations.
  5. Prepares reports and other forms of scientific or technical nature, including publishing and revising the Campus Radiation Safety Manual and Unit SOP's as appropriate and performs an annual audit of the Radiation Safety Program.
  6. Responds to radiation safety emergencies and prepares and submits required reports.
  7. Oversees the use of radioactive materials at University facilities through the management of radioactive materials licensing, radiation laboratory survey, and radioactive waste management programs. Reviews and approves requests for radiation permits.
  8. Manages the radiation safety training program to ensure that only authorized, qualified individuals work with radiation; manages the personnel dosimetry program to limit radiation exposure to radiation users and ensure compliance with University policies and regulatory exposure limits.
  9. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
  10. May propose and create new programs in the area of radiation safety including research of regulations, process development, development of SOPs and implementation.
  11. Participates in the development and management of annual operating budgets for the operating unit; prioritizes and tracks operating unit expenditures.
  12. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient operation of the program/project.
  13. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
  14. Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies.
  15. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's or graduate degree in physical science or engineering or biological science with a minimum of 20 college credits in physical science; at least 5 years of professional experience in health physics including at least 3 years in applied health physics.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
  • Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
  • Knowledge of current and developing issues, trends and advances in the development and application of high technology materials.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Ability to direct and facilitate the planning, development and administration of educational and/or research programs.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local radiation safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
  • Employee development and performance management skills.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
  • Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.

Conditions of Employment

  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
  • May require discipline-specific licensure and/or professional certification, as specified by the department in the preferences.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • Submission of the completed NRC Form 313A with preceptor signature authorization.
  • Eligible for approval by the State of New Mexico as RSO for a medical/research broad scope radioactive materials license.
  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Work environment may involve exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
  • Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt dust, fumes, unpleasant odors and loud noises.
  • Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/23/2020