The Catholic University of America

The primary function of this position is to serve as both the University Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of the University Radiation Safety Program and the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).

The incumbent ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (including NRC and OSHA) to guarantee the safety of users of radioactive materials, x-ray producing devices, and hazardous chemicals.

This position serves as the technical expert for radiological and chemical research projects and leads the University Radiation Safety and Chemical Hygiene Committees.

The projected salary range for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:$110,000 to $115,000

1. Radiation Safety Management: Comprehensive radiological surveillance; radioactive waste disposal; personnel monitoring; maintenance of radionuclide inventory; monitoring of sealed/unsealed sources, X-ray equipment, and lasers; and oversight of the university’s laser safety program.

2. Chemical Hygiene Management: Develop, implement, and update the University Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP); oversee the chemical waste management program; maintain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database; and ensure laboratory compliance with OSHA Lab Standards.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Licensing: Determine compliance with NRC, OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations; keep abreast of current regulatory requirements; and manage the amendment and renewal of University licenses and permits as required.

4. Safety Audits & Technical Oversight: Conduct regular laboratory inspections for both radiological and chemical hazards; perform annual fume hood certified testing and calibration of radiation monitoring instruments.

5. Training & Orientation: Develop and conduct safety training programs for students, faculty, and staff regarding proper procedures for the safe handling of radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals

6. Committee Facilitation: Lead and facilitate the Radiation Safety Committee and Chemical Hygiene Committee reviews of proposed research and laboratory protocols.

7. Emergency Response: Serve as a primary responder for hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, radiological accidents, and general campus emergencies.

8. Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish strong management relationships with academic chairs, deans, and directors to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive research environment.

9. Administrative Maintenance: Maintain and update the EHSRM website; prepare budget estimates for safety projects.

Master’s Degree: Minimum of 7 years of professional-level EHS experience in a research, university, or industrial environment.

Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, showing a clear trajectory into leadership roles, professional-level EHS experience in a research, university, or industrial environment.

Equivalency Provision: In lieu of a formal degree, 12+ years of direct, high-level experience as a primary Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) in a broad-scope regulatory environment may be considered.

Leadership & Supervisory Experience:At least 5 years of experience in a management or supervisory capacity, including direct oversight of technical staff and departmental budgeting.

*Must be eligible for "Preceptor" status for Authorized User or RSO status under NRC/State regulations..

Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certification:

1. Non-Essential: Possession of a current and valid U.S. driver’s license appropriate to the type of university vehicle and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) as stipulated in the Vehicle Guidelines and Procedures Manual administered through the Office of Business Services. 
2. Non-Essential: Annual clearance of MVR check through the Office of Business Services.
3. Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, measurement techniques, exposure control methods, and applying regulations
4. Documented completion of a 40-hour Radiation Safety Officer course meeting NRC requirements.
5. Expert-level proficiency in NRC (10 CFR), OSHA (29 CFR), EPA (40 CFR), and DOT (49 CFR) regulations.
6. Working knowledge of recommendations established by consensus standard-setting organizations, such as NCRP, ICRP, ICRU, ANSI, and others
7. Demonstrated experience in performing ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) audits and chemical hazard assessments.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

1. Non-Essential: The ability to drive a campus vehicle.
2. Familiarity with computers and use of word processing software, spreadsheets, webpage maintenance, and databases.
3. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be productive, analyze problems, and have superior judgment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for responding to queries, generating reports and recommendations, and giving presentations.
4. Ability to translate knowledge and skills into effective action and to conduct all duties in a collegial manner to support the unique mission of CatholicU.