Abolished 10/07
RADIATION PROTECTION SPECIALIST
8244C3
Pay Grade: 24
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is technical work involving the investigation and control of
machine produced ionizing radiation.
Work involves conducting surveys, and inspections of machines
which produce radiation, and includes activities relating to the protection of doctors,
x-ray technicians, patients and users in industry and educational facilities, as well as
general public from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general
supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some
instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their
own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often
physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.
Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a
high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and
weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning,
developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall
into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually
involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with
complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may
require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives
usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level
exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional
review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines
exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful
analysis and interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever
reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a
high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating
or both and costs due to errors are substantial.
Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan,
coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit
opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when
the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward
mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills
are required.
Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical
exertion.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves
hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed
moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and
patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature,
ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific
safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership
responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar
work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and
reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single
project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level
may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the
evaluation of work performance.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Radiologic Technologist classes where the work
involves the performance of highly technical radiation therapy or diagnostic x-ray
procedures in state operated schools or hospitals.
Differs from the Radiation Control Inspector class in which the
work of the incumbents involves the inspection and control of all potentially hazardous
radiation sources and may include supervisory responsibilities.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Inspects industrial and medical fluoroscopic and therapeutic
equipment, medical, dental, veterinary radiographic darkrooms and film processing
equipment; determines the adequacy of radiation shielding, and evaluates the radiation
exposure of operating personnel and others; evaluates unnecessary radiation exposure to
patients. Collects information used to require compliance in situations where user is
found to be out of compliance with state statutes and regulations.
Interviews personnel regarding their compliance with safe and
proper practice in the use of ionizing radiation; observes the procedures used by
operators of x-ray equipment, darkroom technicians, processors, and others, and recommends
improvements; advises industrial radiographers, accelerators, physicians, dentists,
veterinarians, and related health professionals, and instructs technicians and others on
safe radiological health practices and optimum radiographic techniques to reduce patient
exposure. Prepares non-compliance notice from the agency to the user of equipment and
refers the non-respondent to the supervisor for enforcement.
Explains laws and regulations regarding standards for protection
against radiation; demonstrates the use of properly designed collimators, filters, and
auxiliary equipment and devices.
Reviews qualifications and makes recommendations concerning the
registration of x-ray machine operators.
Repairs and calibrates radiation monitoring equipment.
Prepares reports on surveys and inspections.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and practices of the use of ionizing
radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine and
industrial radiography.
*Knowledge of the laws, standards, and procedures governing the
use of x-ray machines and accelerators.
Abilities
*Ability to establish and maintain effective creditable
relationships with highly trained health professionals, and members of the general public.
*Ability to speak and write effectively and to analyze situations
accurately and take effective action.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Six months of experience in the radiological
health/health physics field. Education may be substituted for experience as
determined relevant by the agency.
NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 04/99
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
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