Launch Your Career as a Health Physicist with the VA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your expertise in radiation safety to serve those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Health Physicist to join the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-level radiation safety program while working within one of the most respected healthcare networks in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer, you will serve as a key figure in managing the facility's comprehensive radiation safety program. Your daily tasks will include:
- Overseeing both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources.
- Monitoring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and OSHA regulations.
- Conducting thorough radiation audits and safety surveys.
- Managing radioactive waste disposal and shipment programs.
- Providing technical training to staff members.
- Performing maintenance and calibration of radiation detection instrumentation.
Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in physical science and safety protocols. Key requirements include:
- Education: A degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in relevant subjects like physics, health physics, or engineering.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background check and drug screen.
- Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $61,722 - $80,243 |
| Location | Temple, Texas |
| Clearance | Other/Credentialing |
| Travel | Occasional |
Benefits Overview
Working for the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Employees receive a robust suite of benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and the potential for recruitment or relocation incentives. Furthermore, you will enjoy the stability of a federal position with structured leave accrual based on your years of service.
Application Tips
In the competitive federal hiring market, your application package is your first interview. Ensure you follow these steps:
- Respect the Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Keep it focused and relevant.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting aligns with federal requirements.
- Detail Your Experience: Be specific about your accomplishments. Avoid vague descriptions; instead, highlight your direct impact on safety and compliance.
If you are a safety-minded professional ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans, this Health Physicist role at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System provides an unparalleled path for growth. Apply today to become a part of a mission that truly honors our nation's heroes.
Why This Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Matters
Join the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System as a Health Physicist and play a vital role in protecting our nation's heroes and staff through expert radiation safety oversight.
Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Overview
The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) is seeking a dedicated Health Physicist to serve as an Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. In this role, you will help manage a comprehensive radiation safety program, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards across one of the VA's largest integrated health care systems. This position offers the opportunity to support clinical and research teams in a dynamic environment located in the heart of Texas, with a strong focus on professional excellence and patient care.
Requirements for Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Subject to pre-employment drug screening.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must be able to provide proof of identity and employment eligibility.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive
- Degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, or calculus.
- Certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
- Progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in a relevant field.
- Specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in health physics or radiation safety.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to perform health risk analysis.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives authorized for eligible candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- ✓Eligibility for service credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive health care and retirement system.
- ✓Stable work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday business hours.
💡 How to Apply Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Physicist - Radiation Safety - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s, or DD-214s.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and focused on results; it must not exceed two pages.
- Clearly describe your experience to help us avoid making assumptions about your qualifications.
- Convert all documents to PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Review your application for accuracy before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on July 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of this Health Physicist position?
You will act as the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer, managing radiation safety for both ionizing and non-ionizing sources, conducting audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing radioactive waste disposal.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an on-site position based in Temple, Texas, requiring routine interaction with clinical and research environments.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes, the role requires some physical exertion, such as walking, standing, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as driving to satellite clinics.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is a premier medical organization dedicated to fulfilling the promise of care for our military veterans and their families. Centrally located between Austin and Dallas, the CTVHCS operates across 39 counties, providing essential healthcare services through a network of hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), and specialized units. With a focus on complexity level 1A care, the organization fosters an environment of compassion, innovation, and integrity.