"Radiation and Laser Safety Coordinator, Laboratory Safety Division"

The Radiation and Laser Safety Coordinator provides coordination as the institutional Associate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) and Associate Laser Safety Officer (ALSO) for Radiation Safety and Laser Safety Programs to ensure regulatory compliance in the use of radioactive materials and other sources of radiation at UTSA. This role is responsible for operational coordination and implementation of laboratory safety policies, plans, and procedures for the safe use and control of radioactive materials, laser, and X-ray devices, and radiological waste control at all UTSA campuses and owned or operated facilities.

Core Responsibilities

• Assists the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in monitoring and analyzing regulatory developments and determining appropriate operational adjustments in procedures and licensing amendments/authorizations.
• Assists the RSO/LSO in preparing filings and correspondence for activities subject to regulatory review, and recordkeeping requirements of the radiation and laser safety program.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to promote radiation and laser safety awareness, and compliance with regulations.
• Maintains campus-wide inventory of radioactive materials, laser and X-ray devices regulated by the Texas Departments of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Reviews and approves purchases and transfers for shipments of individual packages of radioisotopes. Monitors and delivers packages.
• Collects radioactive waste from laboratories. Stores and disposes of short-lived waste and ships long-lived waste for permanent disposal. Reviews and monitors waste records for accuracy in record keeping.
• Performs yearly Radiation Protection Audit and review with the RSO.
• Conducts laboratory evaluations, primarily focusing on radiation and laser use laboratories and other laboratory hazards.
• Investigates radiation and laser related incidents, spills or exposure and document incidents to include recommended preventative measures.
• Provides status or metric reports on radiation and laser safety functions as required by Director of Laboratory Safety.
• Responds to emergency hazardous material spills and releases.
• Provides training as needed for radiation and laser safety awareness, spill response, control measures, and PPE.
• Maintains institutional Radiation, Laser, and X-ray safety training modules.
• Member of the Radiation and Laser Safety Committee (RLSC) and provides application reviews and facility evaluations.
• Attends conferences, workshops, and meetings to maintain current knowledge of safety techniques, regulatory requirements, and professional certifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Physics, or safety-related discipline).
• At the department's discretion, an Associate's degree with 2 years of directly related experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
• Four (4) years of experience in radiation safety, radiological health, chemical safety, biological safety, laser safety and/or environmental safety including a minimum of two years of experience in radiation safety or radiological health.
• This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science Degree (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Physics, or safety-related discipline).
• 40-hour Radiation Safety Officer Training Course (DSHS Approved).
• Laser Safety Officer Training Course.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER.
• Five (5) years of experience in higher education or research environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of laboratory safety and related environmental regulations.
• Ability to tolerate laboratory environments and moderate exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, smoke, loud noises, and chemical substances.
• Ability to wear PPE such as respirator, protective suit, gloves, goggles, and footwear.
• Ability to operate radiological and laser monitoring equipment and provide analysis.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to interact with a professional constituency and present to a group of people.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others as well as work independently.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
• Valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as applicable.

Working Conditions

• Normal office and laboratory conditions.
• Personal protective equipment to include air purifying respirator, protective gloves, protective shielding, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Exposure to research and experimentation hazards involving mechanical, electrical, chemical, bio-hazards, fire, and radiation.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours.

Physical Demands

• Ability to qualify by medical evaluation to wear appropriate respiratory protection.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical ability to sit, walk, kneel, bend, crawl, and climb.
• May include prolonged work in outdoor conditions.

This position will be primarily located on the 1604 campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

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