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Radiation Protection Jobs in Kennewick, WA (NOW HIRING)

Spent Fuel Handler

Kennewick, WA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Collaborate with plant personnel, engineering, maintenance, and radiation protection teams to safely execute fuel handling activities. * Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced ...

BWR Fuel Handler

Kennewick, WA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

The position requires strict adherence to all safety, quality, radiation protection, and regulatory requirements while working in industrial and radiologically controlled environments. Benefits: Hi ...

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Kennewick, WA · On-site

$2.3K - $3.1K/wk

Accurately position patients for procedures, ensuring comfort and safety while adhering to radiation protection protocols. * Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including ...

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Kennewick, WA · On-site

$2.3K - $3.1K/wk

Accurately position patients for procedures, ensuring comfort and safety while adhering to radiation protection protocols. * Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including ...

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Radiation Protection information

See Kennewick, WA salary details

$19

$43

$72

How much do radiation protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for radiation protection in Kennewick, WA is $43.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.27 and $55.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is radiation protection?

Radiation protection professionals, also known as health physicists or radiation safety officers, are specialists who ensure the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials in medical, industrial, research, and nuclear settings. Their primary responsibility is to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation by monitoring exposure levels, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They also educate staff, respond to radiation emergencies, and maintain records of radiation usage and incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in radiation protection?

To thrive in Radiation Protection, you need a solid understanding of radiation physics, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with dosimetry equipment, radiation detection instruments, and certifications such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals assess hazards and convey safety information clearly. These skills are essential to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials and protect workers and the public from radiation exposure.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in radiation protection, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Radiation Protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with evolving safety regulations, effectively communicating risks to non-technical staff, and ensuring strict compliance in fast-paced or high-risk environments. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, clear documentation, and regular training sessions for all personnel. Building strong collaboration with other departments and maintaining open communication channels also help in fostering a culture of safety and compliance.

What is the difference between Radiation Protection vs Radiation Technologist?

AspectRadiation ProtectionRadiation Technologist
CertificationsCertified Health Physicist, Radiation Safety OfficerARRT Certification, Radiologic Technologist License
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, medical, nuclear facilities focusing on safety protocolsHospitals, clinics performing diagnostic imaging
Primary FocusEnsuring safety and compliance with radiation regulationsPerforming diagnostic imaging procedures

Radiation Protection professionals focus on safety, compliance, and radiation risk management, often working in regulatory or industrial settings. Radiation Technologists primarily operate imaging equipment in medical environments. While both roles involve radiation, their responsibilities, certifications, and work environments differ significantly.

How hard is it to become a radiation protection technician?

Becoming a radiation protection technician typically requires completing a relevant post-secondary program or certification, gaining knowledge of radiation safety principles, and often obtaining state or federal licensing or certification. The job involves understanding radiation hazards, using detection tools, and following safety protocols, which requires technical training and attention to detail.

How to get a job in radiation protection?

To get a job in radiation protection, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as health physics, radiological science, or a related field, along with certification like the Certified Health Physicist (CHP) or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or research settings is also valuable. Strong understanding of radiation safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and safety equipment is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Radiation Protection jobs in Kennewick, WA?

For Radiation Protection jobs in Kennewick, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Radiation Protection jobs in Kennewick, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Radiation Protection jobs in Kennewick, WA are:

What cities near Kennewick, WA are hiring for Radiation Protection jobs?

Cities near Kennewick, WA with the most Radiation Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Radiation Protection job openings in Kennewick, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,001 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Radiation Safety Officer

Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.

Richland, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

 Exempt – This position is responsible for ensuring that all terms and conditions of the radioactive materials license and the applicable state or federal regulations are being complied with; provide training of staff and workers regarding all basic principles of radiation; functions as the chief liaison with the appropriate competent authorities; and preparing and obtaining the proper amendments, as necessary, to assure the optimum operation of the facility.  


Duties 

· Ensure that all terms and conditions of the radioactive materials license and the applicable radiation/radioactive material regulations are met. 

· Ensure that all radioactive materials are being properly accounted for; and that the radioactive materials are secured against unauthorized removal.

· Ensure that all radioactive materials are being used by qualified personnel who are authorized to handle radioactive materials and/or designated as a user relative to the facility license. 

· Ensure that those personnel are properly monitored for total potential radiation exposures, internal and external.

· Ensure that all records required by the radioactive materials license and the policies of Perma-Fix regarding radiation protection are being maintained.

· Function as chief liaison with the applicable competent authorities and be responsible for preparing and obtaining the proper amendments, as necessary, to ensure the optimum operation of the facility.

· Provide training  to the staff and workers regarding all of the basic principles of radiation. Training is to be meaningful and accountable through testing techniques and record keeping. 

· Be sufficiently familiar with counting equipment for the entire spectrum of radionuclides using an assortment of fixed laboratory counting equipment and portable survey equipment to be able to use, instruct and calibrate. 

· Sufficient knowledge in computer usage and respective software.

· Perform other duties as assigned

· Be pro-active and solution driven as part of the site management team

Requirements:

· B.S. Degree in health physics or a related field, such as the natural sciences or engineering.

· Minimum of ten (10)   years experience in full-time radiation protection duties with at least three (3) years performing supervisory and/or RSO functions. Years of applicable experience may be substituted for educational minimal requirements.

· Qualified by training and experience to protect public health, safety and the environment. A description of this training must be submitted and approved by the applicable competent authority.


Working Conditions 

May involve dangerous working conditions and long, irregular hours; may be regularly exposed to radiation, radioactive materials, hazardous materials, and chemicals; and may be required to stand and lift moderately heavy items for extended periods of time while executing supervisory and auditing roles.  Some travel or fieldwork required.