Radiation Instrument Technician Jobs

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Environment, Health & Safety Division has an opening for an Radiation Instrument Technician to join the team.

In this role, you will primarily responsible for both routine and non-routine processing of portable health physics instrument calibration and repair, fixed instrument/equipment installation calibration and maintenance, and support of activities within the broader radiation protection, telemetry, laser

safety, analytical radiochemistry laboratory and/or non-ionizing radiation (NIR) programs. Working independently with general supervision, and given broad and general program/project directions, the Instrument Specialist is expected to perform major components in EH&S projects. Will apply judgment and discretion in resolving complex EH&S technical problems. May lead other technicians on routine activities and provide instruction to other individuals. May perform NIR surveys as described in survey plans prepared by the NIR subject matter expert.

What You Will Do:

Radiation Detection Instrumentation (80%)

• Following established procedures, perform NIR surveys as directed by the NIR SME.
• Effectively utilize and maintain a working knowledge of the Instrument Database and other computer resources to perform and document all calibrations and quality assurance/controls.
• Interface with vendors to obtain quotes for calibration and repair services and purchases of new instruments or parts and establish requisitions for services.
• Perform simple repair (e.g. mylar changes, making cables, changing desiccant, etc.) and maintenance of instruments.
• Perform detector calibration and quality controls.
• Perform analytical measurements of samples.
• Using established procedures, determine and perform appropriate sample preparation for a wide variety of sample types, optimizing the analytical protocols to meet the customer’s requirements.
• Assume primary responsibility for physical calibration of all portable and fixed radiation measurement instruments, including spectroscopy equipment and Liquid Scintillation Counters, and electronic testing equipment.
• Assume primary responsibility for physical calibration of MTE, scales, balances, sampling equipment, and measurement devices.
• Assist the Instrument Technical lead in the creation and revision of calibration procedures and protocols.
• Interface with research and EHS customers to assure timely, effective, and efficient calibration of their instruments, understanding their needs and helping with instrument problems they may have.
• Radiochemistry laboratory processes include performing counting/measurement activities with radioactivity detection equipment, processing radioactive samples, maintaining quality control, documentation and operational records.
• As needed, assume responsibility for delivering the calibrated and/or repaired instruments to the users in a timely manner.

Dosimetry Processing and Operational Support (20%)

• Schedule and review quality control for routine dosimetry processing, including dosimetry irradiation.
• Establish priorities and work effort for issue, receipt, exchange, and database entry and management of routine and upfront issue of whole body, extremity, and area dosimetry
• Assume responsibilities for QA activities such as procedure review, late/lost dosimeter management, corrective action generation and completion, and DOELAP on-site assessment preparation and performance.
• Package, label and coordinate dosimeter exchanges with off-site vendors.
• Manage dose lookup and responses to requests for dose information through EEOICPA and other parties. This includes tracking requests, reviewing the documents and ensuring they are processed in a timely manner.
• Prepare and manage area monitoring station maps and dose information.
• Prepare, manage and distribute Electronic Pocket Dosimeters and manage the reports generated.
• Facilitate dose investigations for potential personnel and environmental exposures and concerns. Keep management informed of problems and technical matters.
• Assist dosimetry technical lead with DOELAP performance testing procedures, including issue, receipt, shipment and processing of dosimeters.

Overall Responsibilities

• Plan complex work activities with minimal oversight.
• Supports Quality Assurance.
• Independently conduct and document assessments, audits and other measures needed regarding incidents.
• Reports processing and work order accomplishments, contractor activities, non-conformances, equipment and supply needs.
• Conducts work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
• Interacts with all Berkeley Lab and external personnel in a courteous, professional and service oriented manner to foster cooperative and productive environment.

What is Required

(Level 3):

• Understanding of the safety systems employed in calibration facilities.
• Extensive knowledge of the physics and engineering of radiation detectors including ionization chambers, scintillation counters, spectroscopy systems, and neutron measurement devices.
• Must be able to perform physical requirements of the position including:
• Some duties of this position require up to 1 hour per day of the following types of hand use: fine manipulation, keyboard/mouse use, simple and/or power grasping.
• Ability to utilize mechanical and hand tools as needed.
• Knowledge of the Quality Assurance requirements in the operation of calibration facilities including training, procedures, records and quality control.
• Approx. 2 hours per day sitting, approx. 4 hours per day of standing and/or walking.
• Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work productively and constructively with a wide variety of customers. Ability to work as a member of a customer-oriented team.
• Knowledge of the electronics associated with the calibration and operation of these systems.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of appropriate regulations and training, and maintain all required permits and position required qualifications up to date.
• 5 years of relevant experience in Radiation Detection Instrument Calibration or similar field, e.g., Electronic Technician, or combination of education and experience, in which specialized concepts, technologies are acquired.
• Knowledge in the safe use and handling of radioactive materials and operation of irradiators.
• Must be able to perform the physical aspects of routine hands on work activities, including some routine squatting, kneeling, climbing, bending, and twisting.
• Good written, oral communication and computer skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of diverse individuals.

(Level 4) - In addition to requires of the Level 3:

• Ability to lead other technicians on routine activities and provide instruction on special assignments.
• 10 years of relevant experience in Radiation Detection Instrument Calibration or similar field, e.g., Electronic Technician, or combination of education and experience, in which specialized concepts, technologies are acquired.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently given broad and general program/project directions as well as in collaboration with technical authorities and SME.

Desired Qualifications:

• NIR/Laser Field Support programs.
• H.S. diploma or equivalent and/or technical certification.
• Mechanical/electrical fabrication.
• Experience working in a research facility.
• Experience of radiation measurement and radioisotope handling principles including monitoring, analysis and radioisotope identification.

Notes:

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This is a full-time career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid) from overtime pay.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position is expected to pay $40.95-$49.49 hourly, which fits within the full hourly range of $36.67-$53.76 for the 741.4- Health/Safety Tech Specialist position. Salary for this position will commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, while also aligned with the internal peer group.
• Salary will be determined based on range by collective bargaining agreement.
• This position is expected to pay $34.44-$41.62 hourly, which fits within the full hourly range of $30.84-$45.22 for the 741.3- Health/Safety Tech Specialist position. Salary for this position will commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, while also aligned with the internal peer group.

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