Radiation and Laser Safety Officer (RSO/LSO)

Radiation and Laser Safety Officer (RSO/LSO)

Job ID: 296778

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Summary

Provides institutional leadership and oversight for all activities involving the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at Kennesaw State University. Manages the university's Radiation and Laser Safety Programs, administers the Radioactive Materials License issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and serves as the designated Radiation and Laser Safety Officer in accordance with state and federal regulations. Ensures compliance with applicable requirements from the DNR, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), OSHA, DOT, and the ANSI standards.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) with authority and responsibility for managing the university's Radioactive Materials License
2. Serves as the institutional Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and oversee the safe use of Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems in research, teaching, and facilities operations
3. Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive Radiation Safety and Laser Safety Programs consistent with Federal and Georgia's requirements
4. Maintains the university's radioactive materials inventory, sealed source registry, and laser registration database
5. Performs and documents routine radiation and contamination surveys, dosimetry reviews, leak tests, exposure assessments, and laser safety inspections
6. Administers the personnel dosimetry program, evaluates exposure reports, and ensures timely corrective actions when needed
7. Manages radioactive waste handling, including decay-in-storage, shipment, and disposal in compliance with state and federal regulations
8. Provides radiation and laser safety training for faculty, staff, students, and/or researchers, including initial, refresher, and specialized training sessions
9. Reviews and approves research protocols, experimental procedures, and equipment installations involving ionizing or non-ionizing radiation
10. Advises departments on radiation shielding, exposure control, and engineering controls for laser systems
11. Investigates radiation or laser related incidents and exposures, identifies root causes, and implement corrective actions
12. Maintains all required records, reports, and license documentation for internal review and regulatory compliance
13. Supports and serves as an advisor to the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and Laser Safety Committee (LSC); prepares reports and presents program performance metrics
14. Develops and revises university policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
15. Coordinates and responds to regulatory inspections by the Georgia DNR, and other agencies
16. Supports other research and laboratory safety programs and activities
17. Collaborates with other department program leaders to promote integrated laboratory safety management across campus
18. Participates in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts involving ionizing or non-ionizing radiation
19. Collaborates with the department on shared responsibilities and emerging safety needs

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Health Physics, Physics, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Five (5) years of experience in radiation safety, health physics, or related regulatory compliance programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Certification or eligibility as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in health physics, Industrial Hygiene, or related discipline

Preferred Experience
Experience administering a radioactive materials license at a university or research institution

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to build and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with PIs, Department Heads, staff, students, state agencies, and other stakeholders
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory standards including Georgia DNR Radioactive Materials Rules, NRC, DOT, OSHA, and ANSI
In-depth understanding of relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, industry standards, and emerging trends in research, radiation, laser, and laboratory safety
Knowledge of health and safety principles, including hazard recognition, evaluation, and control, to accurately assess risks

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette