We are looking for a safety specialist to work with the radiation safety program. You will provide technical assistance in the establishment and enforcement of policies and regulations related to the control of environmental and/or occupational hazards. Inspect the university facilities and monitor established policies and procedures for the safe use and control of hazardous materials and/or occupational hazards. This position reports to the Radiation Safety Program Manager and supports the clinical and research use of radiological agents in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines.  

 

This is a full-time position that will work a normal business week and traditional hours. It is located in the Texas Medical Center. It is an exempt role and eligible for all benefits, including a low-cost healthcare option as well as an outstanding retirement program run by the State of Texas.  

You must have at least one year of experience with radiation safety.  

 

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us, you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave days, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ well-being is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts include entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus, many more! 

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Ensures the use of hazardous substances in research and clinical settings through licensure, registration, and compliance with accepted standards of safety.  Provides a program for monitoring the chemical, biological, and radiation exposure levels of personnel.  
2. Audits clinics and laboratories for compliance with regulations and guidelines.  Monitors the use of various equipment used in labs and clinics.
3. Performs periodic surveys and conducts investigations where hazardous materials are used or stored to determine unsafe and unhealthy environmental conditions. 
4. Identify potential problems and prepare reports on conditions and actions taken. 
5. Maintains appropriate records on hazards and personnel exposure occurrences. 
6. Conducts evaluations and periodic tests of equipment for potentially hazardous conditions. Assists in developing and implementing remedial measures to control the condition. 
7. Assists management and/or committees in the development of policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for employees, students, and the community.  
8. Advises faculty, staff, and students on the proper maintenance, precautions, and handling of chemical, radioactive, and other hazardous materials.
9. Observe the work procedures of personnel to ensure proper use of equipment and safe working conditions. 
10. Participates in establishing training mechanisms to assist users in properly applying safety regulations and procedures in working with hazardous agents.  
11. Provides technical assistance in all activities involving hazardous materials and assists in training faculty, staff, and students on safety procedures.
12. Attends conferences, meetings, and workshops to keep abreast of new safety techniques and changes in codes, regulations, and technology. 
13. This job classification is designated as "essential" at the UTHealth Science Center in Houston.  In case of an emergency, "essential" positions are those required to sustain clinical services and/or are responsible for the protection of university assets. Personnel in designated  "essential" positions are expected to report to their designated work site during their appointed work schedules, even when the institution has been officially declared to be on "restricted access" or "closed" due to adverse conditions.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Preferred certification depending on the work assignments:  Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). Any special certifications around radiation is preferred. 

 

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in basic or applied science or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience in lieu of education.

Minimum Experience:

At least one (1) year experience in environmental protection, biological safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, chemistry, health and/or occupational safety. May substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas. This role is on-site.