Program Manager (Radiation Safety Division)

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) provides the focus for the administration of all safety programs to Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke University Health System. OESO has the responsibility for developing institutional safety plans and policies; providing information and training to meet all regulatory requirements; providing technical consultation and guidance; conducting exposure and risk assessments; conducting safety audits; monitoring compliance with all safety policies; and investigating accidents, injuries, and reported unsafe conditions.

Specific to the Radiation Safety Division:

The Radiation Safety Division provides guidance and oversight to users of radiation producing devices and radioactive material on campus, in the Medical Center, in the Medical School, at the accelerator facilities, and at Duke University-affiliated medical facilities. In addition, the Radiation Safety Division provides support to the Radioactive Waste Program and provides oversight for the Laser Safety Program.

Primary Purpose of Position: Provide support to radiation safety programs at DUMC and Duke University campus. Primary duties are related to compliance with regulations governing the use of radioactive materials, machine-produced radiation, and laser safety.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Routine patient radiation protection service.
• Routine inspections of clinical departments (radiology x-rays, nuclear medicine, PET center and radiation therapy).
• Routine medical school and university research laboratory inspections.
• Accelerator facility radiation protection inspections.
• Identify program weaknesses and propose improvements to the RSO and senior staff.
• Draft/Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for RSO’s approvals.
• Draft license renewals/amendments for university, MC, and accelerators as a team.
• Participate in drafting a radiation safety annual report as a team.
• Laser safety oversight for the medical center and research lasers.
• MRI and NMR safety oversight.
• Engage in special projects that may arise in big radiation safety programs such as license amendments and renewals.
• Participate and support state inspections and federal inspections as they apply to Duke.
• Participate and support hospital inspections (Joint Commission) as they apply to Duke Medical Center.
• Initial review of accelerator SOPs as applicable and report to the Accelerator RSM.

Other Position Characteristics:

Accuracy Required in Work: Accurate interpretation of survey and measurement results, as well as a correct assessment of radiation safety conditions, are essential. Documentation of measurements or notable events must be flawless. Information provided to Duke employees regarding radiation safety must be accurate. Employee must exercise good judgement in interpreting situations subject to RAM license conditions and other regulations. Some of employee’s duties are time-critical.Consequence of Error:Deficient survey and measurements could lead to spread of contamination and/or irradiation of self, Duke employees and public. Improper instructions to personnel under his/her supervision could expose them and others to radiation and other hazards. Failure to perform duties correctly and in a timely manner may result in the violation of applicable regulations. Failure to detect unsafe conditions or practices could lead to personnel exposure. Severe deficiencies in the above areas could ultimately lead to sanctions by regulatory agencies (fines, termination of the license, criminal indictment of organization or individuals), negative media coverage, and public distrust. Instructions Provided to Employees:Work assignments to Radiation Protection Technologists. Radiation safety aspects of patient care. Safe usage of RAM in labs, radiation surveys, and smear samples. Procedures for access to controlled areas.Guides, Regulations, Policies, and References used by Employee:Duke Radiation Safety Manual, DOT Regulations, NC Regulation for Protection against Radiation; Specific RAM license conditions, internal policies, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good judgment in interpreting situations subject to RAM license conditions and other regulations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Laser safety experience and certification desirable, but not required.
• Project management and organizational skills with a track record of accomplishments required; ability to complete a project as a team leader expected.
• Operational radiation protection knowledge in human use of radiation (nuclear medicine and radiation therapy) required.
• X-ray machine compliance, laser safety, and physics accelerator safety desirable.

Education:

• MS degree in health physics or equivalent field.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressive management responsibility in hospital settings in the last five to ten years preferred; the ideal candidate may have worked as Assist. RSO or RSO in medium-sized hospitals with experience in x-rays, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and lasers.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Job Code: 00005087 PROGRAM MANAGER
Job Level: G2

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Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.