Career Spotlight: Health Physicist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Are you a dedicated professional in the field of radiological sciences looking to apply your expertise to national security? The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is currently recruiting for a GS-14 Health Physicist to lead safety operations at Kirtland Air Force Base. This role is a unique intersection of scientific leadership and public protection, providing the successful candidate with the chance to shape safety policy at the highest levels.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Physicist, your primary mandate is the stewardship of the Radiation Safety Program. Key duties include:
- Technical Oversight: Serving as the Subject Matter Expert for all ionizing radiation matters.
- Regulatory Compliance: Managing broad-scope NRC licenses and ensuring adherence to Department of Transportation and Department of Defense regulations.
- Operational Safety: Acting as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Laser Safety Officer, with the authority to halt operations to protect personnel.
- Strategic Guidance: Providing leadership with technical solutions that minimize radiation dose and optimize mission objectives.
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent federal standards for this GS-14 position:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Degree in science/engineering with 30+ hours in relevant fields |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain/maintain Special-Sensitive High-Risk clearance |
| Documentation | 2-page max resume, academic transcripts |
Salary and Benefits
This position is classified under the GS-14 pay scale, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $127,141 to $165,288. Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive package including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement through the FERS system
- Generous leave accrual policies
- Extensive training and career development
Application Tips
To succeed in your application, remember that federal hiring is precise. Always submit a clean, two-page PDF resume. Ensure your application includes specific details regarding your work history and dates. If you are a veteran, include all required documentation (such as your DD214) at the time of submission to ensure your preference is considered.
Serving as a Health Physicist at DTRA is more than a job—it is a commitment to the safety and security of the United States. If you meet the qualifications and are prepared to manage high-stakes radiological environments, we encourage you to start your application today.
Why This Health Physicist Job Matters
Protect the nation's future by serving as a key Subject Matter Expert in nuclear and radiological safety at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Health Physicist Job Overview
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking a highly skilled Health Physicist (GS-14) to join our team at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. In this mission-critical role, you will lead radiological safety programs, provide strategic policy advice, and ensure regulatory compliance for complex nuclear and hazardous material operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of national security, overseeing programs that mitigate threats and protect personnel from ionizing radiation. If you have the technical expertise to manage broad-scope licenses and direct safety protocols, we invite you to apply for this vital role.
Requirements for Health Physicist
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, or mathematics.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be able to pass initial and random drug screenings.
- Submission of transcripts and a federal resume (maximum two pages).
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist
- Certification as a Health Physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
- Extensive experience administering Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) broad-scope licenses.
- Proven track record of serving as a primary Subject Matter Expert for senior leadership on nuclear and laser safety policies.
- Experience managing Radiation Safety Programs at geographically dispersed test sites.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Competitive salary within the GS-14 pay scale.
- ✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and technical training.
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency requirements.
💡 How to Apply Health Physicist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Physicist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the USAJobs portal.
- Log in or create a USAJobs account.
- Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer in length.
- Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts and SF-50 (for current/former federal employees).
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of August 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be rejected.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Lato and a minimum of 10-point text for the main body.
- Upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Review your application status frequently through your USAJobs account dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
This position is telework-eligible but is not a remote-only position. The incumbent is expected to be based at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.
What is the maximum resume length allowed?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
Are there specific security requirements for this role?
Yes, this role requires a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance and may involve a mental health evaluation under the Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program.
What is the closing date for this application?
All applications must be submitted by August 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position is designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a background investigation.
Job from Defense Threat Reduction Agency
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) serves as the U.S. Department of Defense's official Combat Support Agency for countering weapons of mass destruction. Our mission is to deter strategic attacks, prevent the spread of radiological threats, and ensure our nation prevails in the face of complex global dangers. Working with DTRA means joining a team of elite scientists, military personnel, and support staff committed to global stability.