Overview
About this Role
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
The Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) is within the Division of Radiation Safety & Environmental Management of the California Department of Public Health. The Branch enforces the laws and regulations designed to protect the public, radiation workers, and the environment. RHB is responsible for providing public health functions associated with administering a radiation control program. This includes licensing of radioactive materials, registration of X-ray-producing machines, certification of medical and industrial X-ray and radioactive material users, inspection of facilities using radiation, investigation of radiation incidents, and surveillance of radioactive contamination in the environment.
Key Responsibilities
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing a statewide licensing program for the safe use of radioactive materials including for, but not limited to, manufacturing and distribution, service providers, and nuclear pharmacies. Additionally, this position manages and directs the Sealed Source and Device Registry (SSDR) certificate program.
The Senior Health Physicist (Sr. HP) serves as the first-line supervisor for a team of HPs responsible for the licensing, inspection, and regulatory oversight of radioactive materials in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) and Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations 17 CCR. The Sr. HP provides technical leadership and direction in applying advanced health physics principles and regulatory standards to protect workers, the public, and the environment.
The Sr. HP assigns and monitors work, reviews and approves licensing actions based on technical evaluations and staff recommendations, and ensures alignment with departmental policies and regulations. The Sr. HP conducts performance evaluations, mentors staff, supports professional development, and leads initiatives to enhance program efficiency and regulatory effectiveness. The Sr. HP acts as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders, contributes to strategic planning efforts, and ensures unit preparedness for audits and reviews by external parties.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervising Health Physicist, Radioactive Materials Licensing (RML) Section Chief, in the RML Section.
Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
1. Certification by the American Board of Health Physics in Health Physics or by the American Board of Medical Physics in Medical Health Physics or
2. 4 Years of professional operational health physics experience exercising independent judgement in any of the following:
a. Establishment and/or evaluation of a radiation protection program
b. Design and/or the evaluation of the design of the radiation protection aspects of a facility
c. Design and implementation of a radiation protection training course or program
d. Development of an experimental and/or measurement program designed to answer questions related to radiation protection.
e. Evaluation of measurement data
f. Analysis and solutions to radiation protection problems
g. Preparation, interpretation and implementation of recommendations and regulations or
3. Graduation from a college or university (Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree) with a major in Health Physics, Medical Physics, Nuclear Engineering.
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
