Radiation Safety Specialist

Company: Laser Institute of America
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Location: Chicago, IL Job Description:

• Assist in the planning, scheduling, and conducting of radiation and contamination surveys in the research/medical center laboratories and other areas where radioactive material is used or stored, including analysis of smears for the measurement of radioactive contamination.
• Assist with patient therapy procedures to ensure all regulatory and safety precautions are being followed, perform patient room setup as necessary to control contamination, conduct patient room decontamination procedures to include the removal of all equipment that contains radioactive contamination and removal of radioactive waste and survey of room for contamination.
• Conduct daily package receipt surveys and inventory entry in the database system.
• Assist with the radiation monitoring program to include distribution and return of dosimetry.
• Conduct radiation safety training to University and Medical Center staff.
• Be part of the emergency response for spills.
• Conduct instrument calibration and quality control checks.
• Perform waste management duties to include but not limited to preparation, delivery, surveys, and disposal of radioactive waste containers.
• Comply with biohazard/radiation safety/safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical, biological agents, and/or radioactive materials/sources and attend annual safety/radiation safety training classes, as appropriate.
• Conduct data entry of radiation safety records daily into a database to demonstrate compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• With a high level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
• Conducts surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiatives immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.
• Performs other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Education:
  • College or university degree in Health Physics or a related field. Licenses and Certifications:
    • 40-hour HAZWOPER desired, but can obtain during employment. Preferred Competencies
      • Effective communication and people skills including excellence as a team player with the ability to do multiple projects and manage deadlines.
      • Must communicate effectively with diverse staff, both verbally and in writing.
      • Ability to read and understand regulatory language.
      • Alertness and attentiveness to details, good decision-making skills, demonstrated capacity and motivation to learn.
      • Must be able to thrive in a busy environment, fully committed to supporting the radiation safety and laser safety programs at the University and its Medical Center, and enthusiastic about joining a team dedicated to excellence in service.
      • The ability to follow instructions to meet radiation safety objectives.
      • Strong math capabilities. Working Conditions
        • Requires the ability to walk/travel (approximately 2 to 5 miles daily) and requires 20% sitting and 80% standing and walking/traveling.
        • Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
        • Must possess dexterity to maneuver 55 and/or 30-gallon drums with moving equipment (drum dolly, pallet jack, etc.).
        • Occasionally pushing, pulling objects weighing 100 lbs. or less.
        • Exposure to hazardous conditions within regulatory limits, such as exposure to radiation and radiation producing equipment, chemicals, biological agents, laser, and radioactive waste (mixed waste, low-level radioactive laboratory waste, and biohazardous waste). Application Documents
          • Resume (required)
          • Cover letter (required) The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: Laser Institute of America, Chicago , Radiation Safety Specialist, Other , Chicago, Illinois