Senior Health Physics Technician

Work involves operating analytical equipment in the radioactive materials count room and supporting radiation measurement instrument calibrations. The individual will work with researchers, accelerator operators and machine technicians on the largest US fusion energy device (spherical tokamak) and most powerful worldwide.

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing radiological safety requirements for workers. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a multi-disciplined team of scientists, operators, technicians and engineers to ensure PPPL Environmental Health & Safety standards are consistently met and that research programs advance and meet PPPL Annual Laboratory Plans (ALP) goals.

Independently perform field monitoring of radiological conditions and ensure worker safety. Work closely with physicists, engineers, operations and maintenance crews to monitor radiological conditions, reinforce radiation safety principles and behaviors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards during active plasma operations and maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

Core Duties: Plan, coordinate and lead radiological surveys, monitoring, posting, access controls, SNM controls and instrument calibrations for PPPL.

• Radiological Surveys (25%): Conduct routine and job-specific surveys for radiation dose rates, surface contamination, and airborne radioactivity, with emphasis on tritium (H-3) and activation products.
• Job Coverage (20%): Provide in-field radiological coverage for maintenance activities, particularly during accelerator operations, or handling of activated structural components.
• Instrumentation (10%): Operate, calibrate, source-check, and maintain specialized radiation detection equipment, including ion chambers, scintillation detectors, proportional counters, liquid scintillation counters, and tritium air monitors.
• Tritium Monitoring (10%): Perform specialized tritium smears, operate tritium air samplers, and manage breathing air controls for personnel working in potential tritium atmospheres.
• Radiological Postings & Access Control (10%): Establish and maintain radiological controlled areas (RCAs), Airborne Radioactivity Areas, Radiation Areas and High Radiation Areas based on survey results and operational status.
• Dosimetry, source inventories, and training (10%): Assist in issuing and tracking personal dosimetry.
• Waste Management (10%): Assist in the characterization, packaging, and shipping of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and mixed waste generated during fusion operations.
• Emergency Response (5%): Serve as a key responder during radiological spills, abnormal facility conditions, or personnel contamination events.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of 5 years of experience as an HP Technician in commercial or naval nuclear power plant, DOE or DOD facility, particle accelerator, or relevant industrial facility.

Desired Education/Experience/Knowledge/Certifications: Associates degree in radiation or nuclear science or technology. DOE Core or ANSI 18.1 or 3.1 qualifications. Experience with radiation instrumentation calibrations and electronics repair of radiation detection instrumentation. NRRPT Certification: Registration with the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists. Experience with tritium monitoring, liquid scintillation counting, and tritium contamination controls. Experience with accelerator/Fusion facilities: Experience dealing with prompt radiation (neutrons/x-rays) and short-lived activation products.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of radiation protection regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 835 or 10 CFR 20). Proficiency in standard radiation survey techniques, documentation, and radiological calculations. Ability to work independently and make decisions for worker protection based on radiation measurements and work methods. Willingness to engage with workers provide direction to ensure radiological compliance and coach workers when behaviors do not meet standards.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid New Jersey Drivers License.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Pass a physical exam and fit test to wear a full face respirator. Capable of routine walking, standing, bending, climbing stairs and ladders and working at heights. Ability to navigate tight spaced in an industrial environment. Ability to operate equipment such as company vehicles, forklifts and aerial lifts.

Working Conditions: Dayshift, On-site, M-Fri 8 hrs. Willingness to work flexible shifts, weekends, or on-call hours during major operational campaigns. Must be able to work around radioactive materials. Must be willing to submit to routine bioassay’s (urinalysis) for the detection of tritium. Ability to qualify and enter a confined space.