Health Physicist, ZP-1306-III/IV (GS-11/12/13/14 equivalent)

Summary NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Health Physicist, ZP-1306-III/IV (GS-11/12/13/14 equivalent) to join our team! This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Responsibilities This position is located in the Reactor Health Physics group of the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). The Reactor Health Physics group provides support to the NIST scientific mission and the NCNR program in areas such as: Radiation safety training, dosimetry, radioactive material use and hazard analysis, inventory control, shipping and receiving of radioactive material packages, effluent and environmental monitoring, laboratory instrumentation quality control, survey instrument calibration, laboratory surveillance, radioactive waste collection and processing, and incident response. PB III Duties: As a Health Physicist, you will support the radiation safety and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) program at the NCNR. This includes: implementing radiation safety services, performing hazard analyses; regulatory compliance monitoring; providing training to radiation workers; analyzing radioactive samples; performing radiological surveys; and in providing services related to personnel dosimetry, dose determinations and reconstruction, shielding analysis and ALARA reviews. Implementing programs that support a health nuclear safety culture. PB IV Duties: As a Health Physicist, you will oversee radiation safety programs at the NCNR. This may include implementing radiation safety services, performing hazard analyses; regulatory compliance monitoring; providing training to radiation workers; analyzing radioactive samples; performing radiological surveys; and in providing services related to personnel dosimetry, dose determinations and reconstruction, shielding analysis and ALARA reviews. This includes developing radiation safety procedures and programs. Auditing and evaluating existing programs for compliance with regulatory requirements and identifying opportunities for improvement. Developing and implementing programs that support a healthy nuclear safety culture. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Basic Requirements: Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus. OR Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A. TO QUALIFY AT THE ZP-III LEVEL: In addition to the above basic requirements: to qualify at the ZP III, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST) described as experience providing radiation safety support in a diverse research environment using ionizing radiation sources such as radioactive materials, X-ray devices, irradiators and/or research reactor. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR A combination of education and experience. TO QUALIFY AT THE ZP-IV LEVEL: In addition to the above basic requirements: to qualify at the ZP IV, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST) described as experience developing radiation safety program policy & procedures as they relate to the regulatory requirements and industry standards to establish process/procedure for the operation, maintenance, design & surveillance requirements of a research nuclear reactor and experience conducting hazards analyses. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Applicant Reconsideration Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment. Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here! A probationary period may be required. Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination is required for this position. This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: light carrying (under 15 pounds), moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), reaching above shoulders, use of fingers. This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: working outside and inside, radiant energy, working on ladders or scaffolding. We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs