Texas Health and Human Services

Job Description:

Environmental Protection Specialist - IV

Performs x-ray inspections, field surveys, assessments, or investigations to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal environmental or public health laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Independently plan and conduct complex, highly advanced technical operational and product compliance inspections of medical, dental, veterinary, industrial, laser, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sectors.

Perform advanced technical testing procedures, using specialized detection equipment, while incorporating knowledge of quality assurance practices to perform a thorough inspection.

Reviews, document, and assess records and reports of licensed professionals to ensure adherence to applicable state and federal rules and regulations. They may also investigate complaints and incidents involving the use of radiation-producing machines.

Using web-based software, the inspector prepares detailed technical inspection reports following department guidelines, which are then submitted to the Central Office for technical review to ensure accuracy and procedural standards.

May assist in training new x-ray inspectors or those requiring remedial training in accordance with standard inspection policy and procedures.

Requires active participation in the agency's disaster response and recovery efforts, including the Radiation Emergency Response Team (RERT).

Address public inquiries, complaints or suspected incidents related to x-ray machines and radiation-generating devices.

Oversee and evaluate the radiological, environmental, or public and consumer health and safety impact of facilities or products.

During times of constraints across other regions, the inspector may perform relief inspection work as determined by the department's needs and resources.

Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

May testify in legal proceedings and must attend continuing education or training courses to enhance their ability to perform essential job functions and assigned tasks.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule per department leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (50%):

o Independently plan and execute advanced technical inspections of radiation-producing machines across various sectors.

o Conduct advanced functional testing, including radiation measurements, entrance exposure assessments, output linearity evaluations, and verification of equipment functionality.

o Review complex documentation, including quality assurance testing records and personnel radiation dosimetry logs, to ensure regulatory compliance.

o Gather necessary documentation to substantiate any violations or discrepancies noted during inspections.

EJF 2 (25%)

o Independently utilize web-based software to prepare detailed technical inspection reports following department guidelines.

o Submit comprehensive reports to the Central Office for technical review, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedural standards.

o Maintain an electronic calendar and utilize file-sharing software for efficient documentation and report retrieval.

EJF 3 (10%)

o Independently plans and coordinates travel, travel requests, and submits travel claims timely, accurately per Agency policy.

o Schedule inspections and travel efficiently, ensuring compliance with standardized inspection protocols and procedures.

EJF 4 (10%)

o Address public complaints or suspected incidents related to x-ray machines and radiation-generating devices.

o Provide timely responses to inquiries regarding ionizing and non-ionizing radiation from the Public Health Region.

EJF 5 (5%)

o Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

o Participates and maintains readiness for emergency deployment as a member of the Department’s and/or Radiation Emergency Response Team, during an exercise and in an actual emergency.

o Maintain readiness for emergency deployment, coordinate necessary training, and perform emergency response duties during actual events or exercises.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of the State and Federal regulations relating to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Knowledge of the functions and operations of equipment used in radiation detection, measurement, and monitoring.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of radiation protection and safety.

Knowledge of the basic operating principles of x-ray imaging devices, laser equipment, and intense pulsed light devices.

Knowledge of mathematics, science, and physics principles.

Skilled in the operation and maintenance (user level) of radiation detection and field-testing equipment.

Skilled in using computer software for report generation, data analysis, and project management.

Skilled in the preparation of detailed technical reports and correspondence.

Skilled in planning and organizing personal itineraries and scheduling workload to maximize the number of inspections daily, weekly, and monthly and to make the best use of travel monies.

Ability to interpret laws and regulations.

Ability to apply scientific principles, and to detect and evaluate environmental and public health hazards.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

Ability to plan, organize, and execute projects and activities with limited supervision.

Ability to monitor and evaluate the work of others.

Ability to train others and to supervise the work of others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with supervisors, co-workers, the regulated community, and the public.

Ability to organize and express ideas and thoughts clearly and concisely, in both oral and written communications.

Ability to speak publicly.

Ability to analyze and solve problems.

Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.

Ability to perform inspection work on equipment from floor level to 8 feet in height.

Ability to move equipment weighing thirty (30) pounds.

Ability to perform detailed visual observations in darkened or dimly lit areas.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None Initial Selection Criteria:

One (1) of the following four (4) criteria is required; the hiring supervisor cannot consider any applicant who does not meet at least one of the required criteria for this position. * Education and work experience can be substituted for one another. (15 semester hours = 6 months experience).

1. Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a physical science or health-related field from an accredited two or four-year college or university

or

2. Current or previous ARRT Certification as a Radiologic Technologist with at least two years of experience

or

3. Current or previous MRT Certification as a Radiologic Technologist with at least two years of experience

or

4. MQSA Inspector Certification.

The following seven (7) criteria are generally preferred but are not required; the hiring supervisor may consider any applicant who does not meet any or all generally preferred criteria for this position and may give preference to an applicant who meets one or more of the generally preferred criteria.

1. Experience applying laws, rules, policies, and procedures relating to governmental regulation

or

2. Experience as a state or federal inspector

or

3. Experience as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

or

4. Laser Safety Officer (LSO)

or

5. Experience in a health physics position

or

6. Experience in a regulatory/quality control position in a regulated industrial, educational, or medical industry.

or

7. Experience in assembling, maintenance, or repair of radiation machines.

Additional Information:

Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.

• PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, contact information, current/final salary, specific reason for leaving, and a summary of experience that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
• RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ENTER ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application. Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets the initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.
• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.
• This position allows for remote work from home. Onsite facility inspections are required 3-4 days per week, with the remaining days dedicated to office work from home. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. Selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.
• Employees are required to provide their own transportation for work duties. Mileage and other transportation costs will be reimbursed according to the agency's established policy. Additionally, any employee who operates a personal or state-owned vehicle for official business must hold a current, valid Texas driver's license. To ensure compliance with the department's driving policy, the employee's driving record will be verified with law enforcement.

MOS Code:

L17A 

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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