Environmental Scientist

The Department of Environmental Quality is looking to fill an Environmental Scientist III position in the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. This position may be filled at any of the advertised levels listed below. Salary depends on experience and the job level offered within the series.  

Job Description

• Evaluate requests to license radioactive materials in the State of Utah in a way that protects human health, safety, and the environment in accordance with the applicable laws.  
• Inspect radioactive material licensees for compliance with applicable laws and license conditions.
• Actively solve problems in a professional, responsive, and fair manner that is supported by science and the law.     
• Effectively communicate and professionally engage with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to colleagues in the Division, Division leadership, State and Federal Government employees, regulated entities, and the public.     

Best Qualified Candidate 

The best qualified candidate will have the following:

• Working knowledge of nuclear physics and knowledge of associated terms, including modes of decay and interactions of both penetrating and non-penetrating radiation.   
• Experience and/or education dealing with radioactive materials.  
• Knowledge of biological effects of radioactive material and associated internal dosimetry.   
• Ability to perform calculations pertaining to radiation dose, shielding and risk analysis associated with operating procedures.  
• Knowledge of operation and calibration parameters of radiation detection instrumentation for both penetrating and non-penetrating radiation including knowledge of analytical instrumentation and procedures.  
• Familiarity with the operation and control features of equipment containing radioactive materials, medical terms and technology associated with production, use and security of radiation.  
• Ability to store, handle and transport sources of radioactive material in a safe manner.
• Knowledge of radioactive waste management techniques and regulations.  
• Knowledge of the design and function of sealed sources and devices containing radioactive material.  
• Ability to thoroughly assess the potential impact of facility design and operating procedures on people and the environment for industrial, academic and medical facilities.  
• Knowledge of principles, practices and administration of radiation safety programs including systems, processes and the application of statutes, rules and standards governing such programs.  
• Knowledge of the Utah Radiation Control rules and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and guides.  
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate scientific and technical information both orally and in writing to a broad range of audiences.

Preferences

Preference may be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in health physics, physics, chemistry, geology, hydrology, engineering, or a closely related field OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and paid professional employment directly related to the above tasks. Certified by the American Academy of Heath Physics as a Certified Health Physicist, Registered with the National Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Preference will be given to applicants certified by the American Academy of Health Physics as a Certified Health Physicist.

Job Series

The selected candidate for this position may be brought in as an Environmental Scientist I with a salary range of $24.65 - $37.02, an Environmental Scientist II with a salary range of $29.00 - $43.57 per hour, or an Environmental Scientist III with a salary range of $34.13 - $51.28 per hour.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for a hybrid/flexible work schedule after in-office training. Our office is located at 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. A position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.  Note: Under Administrative Rule R13-4 all work must be performed within the State of Utah. As such employees should either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.

Why You Should Join Our Team

As a benefited employee of the State of Utah, you will receive great health and retirement benefits. Click here to view a summary of the benefits we offer. We also provide generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance.

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage)
  • 5 dental plan options (There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other dental insurance coverage)
  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave increases with years of service. 
  • There are also 12 paid holidays.

The Agency

For more information about the Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, click here.   

Salary : $25 - $51