Environmental Scientist

The State of Utah is hiring an Environmental Scientist for the Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. Responsibilities include evaluating licensing requests for radioactive materials, inspecting compliance, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have knowledge of nuclear physics, radiation safety, and radioactive waste management. A relevant degree or certification is preferred. This position is based in Utah and not remote.
The Department of Environmental Quality is looking to fill an Environmental Scientist 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 competencies:
• 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
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in health physics, physics, chemistry, geology, hydrology, engineering, or a closely related field. Certified by the American Academy of Heath Physics as a Certified Health Physicist, Registered with the National Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
• Or certified by the American Academy of Health Physics as a Certified Health Physicist.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and paid professional employment directly related to the above tasks.

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 of both in-office/hybrid work schedule (2 days a week required in office and any mandatory in office meetings) and remote work days (work must be performed in Utah). 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.
• 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

Supplemental Information
• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.