Radiation Safety Officer

The University of Alberta is one of the leading research-intensive universities in Canada, home to 39,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, and is consistently rated at the top in independent surveys of research and student success, innovation and learning resources.  

As part of the EHS Department’s System Planning and Development Team, the Radiation Safety Officer – Cyclotron Facility is responsible and accountable for the assurance of the licensed activities at the Medical Isotope Cyclotron Facility (MICF) and is the person that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will contact about radiation safety and compliance matters at the facility. The Radiation Safety Officer must ensure that adequate provisions are implemented and maintained for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of workers and the general public and the maintenance of security over nuclear substances, prescribed equipment and prescribed information at MICF.

Specific areas of responsibility include:

• Oversees MICF compliance with radiation safety requirements arising from provincial and federal legislation and other applicable codes and standards
• Oversees the activities of facility research, operational and production staff within the scope of the applicable CNSC licences and related U of A permits
• Ensures that workers, who are required to use or handle nuclear substances, are adequately trained in radiation safety and radiation protection proceduresManages the daily aspects of the MICF Radiation Protection Program by authorizing qualified workers to possess, use or handle nuclear substances
• Designates workers as Nuclear Energy Workers in accordance with the regulations and assesses and approves the qualifications and competence of workers who will use nuclear substances to determine whether they can do so safely and  in compliance with regulations and the licence
• Identifies radiation safety problems, and implements remedial actions to correct any deficiencies identified
• Ensures compliance with CNSC regulatory requirements, and manages and controls licensed activity
• Monitors, advises and consults regarding issues related to the facilities production and use of nuclear substances
• Reviews requests for authorization to purchase or use nuclear substances to ensure that the nuclear substance and its proposed use and location of use are acceptable and comply with the regulations and licence requirements
• Submits applications for the renewal and/or amendment of the facility operating licence
• Liaises regularly with the campus Radiation Safety Officer and acts as a backup, as required
• Assists Canadian Nuclear Safety inspectors during compliance inspections and audits
• Responds to inspection reports, inquires and correspondence from CNSC
• Reports regulatory non-compliances to CNSC
• Prepares a code of practice for the production, storage, handling, packaging, shipment, receipt and disposal of nuclear substances at MICF
• Develops programs to inspect and review licensed activities, locations of nuclear substances use and storage and the adequacy of worker training, safety procedures or physical facilities
• Participates in EHS Department projects and initiatives as time allows
• Ensures that workers whose duties may occasionally expose them to nuclear substances, such as cleaners, administrative assistants, or other support staff, receive appropriate training in radiation safety
• Designs and implements, in accordance with regulatory requirements, appropriate personnel monitoring and bioassay programs to measure “external” and “internal” exposures to ionizing radiation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science from a recognized University
• Two or more years of previous experience working in a Class II nuclear facility is required by CNSC to be eligible for certification
• Knowledge of the Canadian Nuclear Safety and Control Act, associated Regulations and licensing procedures
• Familiarity with the design and operating characteristics of a non-medical cyclotron
• Knowledge of general radiation safety principles/techniques and radiation physics
• Experience in taking radiation measurements, contamination surveys and operation of gamma and/or liquid scintillation counters
• Familiarity with radiopharmaceutical production, equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of cyclotron safety systems, interlocks, and personal protective equipment
• Familiarity with safety culture and the responsibilities and authority of senior management and general radiation safety policies and procedures used in nuclear facilities
• Familiarity with the responsibilities of persons working under the radiation protection program
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills
• Ability to provide radiation safety information and advice to all levels of employees in the facility
• Eligible for radiation safety officer certification by CNSC
• Experience in writing technical reports and management system documents

In accordance with the Administrative Professional Officer agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at www.hrs.ualberta.ca and an annual salary range of $61,551 to $102,591.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resumes outlining relevant work and professional experience as well as a list of three professional references.