Radiation Control Technician

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Radiation Control Technician within the Environment, Health, and Safety division’s Radiation Protection Group (RPG). This position performs a broad range of radiological protection and radioactive material management activities in support of laboratory operations. Responsibilities include conducting radiological surveillance of work areas; performing contamination, dose rate, and exposure surveys; and verifying worker compliance with radiological safety requirements, procedures, policies, and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.

You will:

Radiation Control Technician level 3:

• Independently perform radiological surveys (radiation, contamination, and airborne radioactivity), and generate associated documents, reports and audits in support of assigned area(s).
• Perform routine, specialized, and advanced radiological surveys of laboratory, construction areas, remediation sites and other work areas as needed.
• Perform release surveys of materials, equipment and property from areas controlled for radiological purposes to uncontrolled areas.
• Evaluate radiological conditions within various types of facilities and work locations, to support the development of radiologically work authorization, work plans, survey plans, etc. (technical work documents).
• Post/label areas and items controlled for radiological purposes.
• Conduct assessments, audits and other measures needed regarding radiological incidents.
• Respond to contaminated personnel/areas and other radiological incidents and emergencies.
• Plan complex radiological work activities with minimal oversight.
• Provide specialized radiological support during preparation, packaging, and shipment/transfer of radioactive materials.
• Provide specialized radiological support during operation related to Material Control and Accountability, and Nuclear Material Management.
• Perform work in a manner that protects the health and safety of yourself, your fellow employees, and the public, and preserves the quality of the environment by following your Division Integrated Safety Management (ISM) Plan and following the five core ISM functions; 1) Plan work, 2) Assess workplace and environmental hazards, 3) Implement controls, 4) Conduct work within controls, and 5) Provide feedback and improvement.  Additionally, you are expected to:
  • Have a current Job Hazards Questionnaire (or equivalent) on file.
  • Complete required training.
  • Work safely to prevent accidents at all times.
  • Adhere to the Lab’s “Stop Work” Authority at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH01.html#_Toc407015329

In addition to the above, the Radiation Control Technician level 4:

• Perform routine and highly complex radiological surveys, sample collection, and analysis (radiation, contamination, and airborne radioactive) of laboratory, construction areas, remediation sites, and other work areas and generate associated documents, reports and audits in support of assigned area(s).
• Consult directly with customers, anticipating their radiological safety needs and assisting in planning and implementing their research by providing radiological protection assistance.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, audits, investigations, and other measures needed regarding radiological corrective actions and incidents/emergencies.
• Plan radiological work activities.
• Provide comprehensive radiological support during preparation, packaging, and shipment/transfer of radioactive materials.
• Conduct verification of worker compliance to established standards with regards to radiological and ALARA practices, procedures and policies. Conduct and support training activities.

Requirements:

Radiation Control Technician level 3:

• Previous DOE/NRC 3.1 DOD-qualification Radiation Control Technician (RCT)/Health Physic Technician/ (HPT)/Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT), or equivalent.
• Have a full and comprehensive understanding of radiation measurement and radioisotope handling principles including monitoring, analysis and radioisotope identification.
• Education, or combination of education and experience, in which specialized concepts and technologies in specific discipline are acquired. 
• Ten years of relevant experience in radiation measurement, radioisotope handling and radiation monitoring of which 3 years are as a qualified RCT/HPT/ELT.  
• Ability to apply specialized radiation safety, radiation measurement and radioisotope handling principles in general assignments.
• Previous experience developing and providing technical advice, instructions, developing and preparing operational and quality assurance procedures, and other services needed for achieving radiation safety.  
• Good written, oral communication and computer skills.  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of diverse individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently given broad and general program/project directions as well as in collaboration with technical authorities and SME.
• Must be able to perform physical requirements of the position including: approx. 2 hours per day sitting, approx. 4 hours per day of standing and/or walking.  Some duties of this position require up to 1 hour per day of the following types of hand use:  fine manipulation, keyboard/mouse use, simple and/or power grasping.  Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 40 lbs.  Must be able to perform the physical aspects of radiological surveys including some routine squatting, kneeling, climbing, bending, and twisting.  Swipe and meter operations require up to 2 hours per day of reaching.
• Achieve and maintain status as a DOE-qualified radiation control technician.
• Perform work effectively, efficiently, safely and respectfully:
  • Produce high quality work, demonstrates creativity and originality where appropriate;
  • Organize work to meet schedules, commitments and productivity levels (quality and quantity);
  • Communicates regularly with supervisor, and other staff concerning ideas and progress on assigned responsibilities, programs, assignment, processes and operations.
• Comply with Laboratory policies, standards, procedures and regulatory requirements; reports non-compliances as observed while cooperating with and assisting others within the Laboratory and RPG;
• Submit required documentation (records) and ensure that records accurately reflect conditions and requirements stated in the current governing policies/procedures/authorizations;
• Respond to researchers’ requests and complete projects within established guidelines.
• Ensure safe and effective operations within relevant policies, regulations and procedures, maintaining a respectful work environment.

In addition to the above, the Radiation Control Technician level 4:

• Fifteen years of relevant experience in radiation measurement, radioisotope handling and radiation monitoring, or a combination of experience and education in the field of radiation protection/health physics with at least 5 years as a DOE qualified Radiation Control Technician (RCT)/Health Physics Technician (HPT)/Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT).
• Required to achieve and maintain status as a DOE-qualified radiation control technician (RCT). 
• Extensive technical expertise, including understanding and application of specialized principles of radiation safety (e.g. monitoring and radioisotope identification), radiation measurement and radioisotope handling principles.
• Comprehensive experience in developing and providing technical advice, training instructions, developing and preparing operational and quality assurance radiation protection procedures, technical work documents and other services for the purpose of achieving radiation safety. 
• Strong written, oral communication and computer skills.  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of diverse individuals.
• Ability to utilize complex and varied instrumentation and equipment to perform surveys, collect samples and analyses of samples, including mechanical and hand tools as needed.
• Technical certification (NNRPT) or appropriate combination of college courses/degree/specialized training. Must be able to perform physical requirements of the position including: approx. 2 hours per day sitting, approx. 4 hours per day of standing and/or walking.  Some duties of this position require up to 1 hour per day of the following types of hand use:  fine manipulation, keyboard/mouse use, simple and/or power grasping.  Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 40 lbs. 
• Must be able to perform the physical aspects of radiological surveys including some routine squatting, kneeling, climbing, bending, and twisting.  Swipe and meter operations require up to 2 hours per day of reaching.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience working in a research facility.
• Experience in leading programmatic level work scope (MC&A, Qualification Program, DOT, etc.).
• Some lead technician experience.
• Technical certification.

Additional information:

• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid), eligible for overtime pay. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary range: 
  • The expected hourly range for the Radiation Control Technician level 3 position is $48.29 - $58.38, which fits into the full hourly range of $43.24 - $63.41 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • The expected hourly range for the Radiation Control Technician level 4 position is $54.60 - $65.98, which fits into the full hourly range of $48.90 - $71.67 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.