Environmental Radiochemist

• Collecting soil, air, water, milk, and direct radiation samples from the environments surrounding the Palo Verde Generating Station, and supporting the development and implementation of a statewide environmental radiation surveillance program.
• Performing radiochemical analysis of environmental and other samples for gamma and beta emitting radionuclides using various techniques.
• Preparing, placing, retrieving and analyzing environmental thermoluminescent dosimeters.
  
• Evaluating and interpreting measurement results.
  
• Performing peer review of radiochemistry analysis results and other quality assurance activities associated with radiochemical analysis.
  
• Performing preparation of samples for analysis utilizing wet chemistry techniques.
  
• Planning and conducting inspections and investigations of registrant activities that relate to radiation safety and the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
  
• Evaluate and interpret measurement results.
  
• Respond to incidents involving radioactive material throughout the state.

• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices related to radiation safety and environmental protection aspects of research, medical, educational, and industrial use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
  
• Knowledge of the principles and application of liquid scintillation counting, gamma spectrometry, gas flow proportional counting, and thermoluminescent dosimetry
  
• Knowledge of the laboratory radioactive materials license, laboratory and radiation safety requirements, analytical procedures, and sampling procedures
  
• Clear communication, both orally and in writing, for the reporting of the results of analyses and preparation of procedure revisions and other programmatic documentation
  
• The ability to use computers and other information technology to perform a variety of technical, analytical, and written communication tasks effectively and efficiently
  
• Demonstrated understanding of quality assurance and quality control requirements of laboratory analysis
  
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and distinguish issues of safety or regulatory significance
  
• Demonstrated ability to assess the programmatic quality of laboratory sampling, analysis, procedures and documentation; and recommend, implement and document corrective actions
  
• Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Preference will be given to candidates with a baccalaureate degree in health physics, physics, chemistry, or other closely related physical science or engineering discipline, supplemented by a number of years of specialized work experience related to radiological safety and health physics

This position requires possession of, and ability to retain, a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
10 paid holidays per year
Wellness program and plans
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
Defined retirement plan
Award winning Infant at Work program
Credit union membership
Transit subsidy
ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing virginia.hassard@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.