Become a Radiation Safety Leader at the VA in Louisville

Are you a dedicated professional in the field of health physics looking to make a lasting impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Health Physicist to serve at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This role is essential to our mission, providing the expertise necessary to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant use of radioactive materials in a medical setting. If you are passionate about patient safety and regulatory excellence, this opportunity is for you.

Job Responsibilities

As the Health Physicist (Radiation Safety), you will serve as the technical lead for the facility’s radiation safety program. Your primary duties include:

Developing and implementing policies for the acquisition, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
Conducting regular safety training for medical staff, focusing on ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.
Managing emergency response protocols for spills, thefts, or accidents.
Performing rigorous surveys, wipe tests, and inventory management for all facility sources.
Ensuring all X-ray equipment meets FDA, Joint Commission, and VA national standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in related technical fields.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level involving radiation safety and health physics in a medical or laboratory environment.
Drug Testing: As this is a designated testing position, applicants must be willing to undergo a pre-employment urinalysis.

Requirement Type	Qualification Needed
Education	Bachelor's Degree + 30 Semester Hours in STEM/Radiological Science
Experience	1 Year Specialized (GS-11 Equivalent)
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen Only
Drug Screening	Required (Testing Designated Position)

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience. This compensation package is reflective of the specialized technical skills required to manage high-stakes radiation safety protocols.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust set of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial health. Employees may be eligible for:

Paid annual leave and sick time.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Predictable work schedules.
Opportunities for continuous professional development.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and explicitly maps your experience to the duties listed in the announcement. Use clear, results-focused language. If you have been certified by the American Board of Health Physics, ensure this is clearly documented in your application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an assessment required? A: Yes, applicants may be required to complete an online competency-based assessment to gauge general job-related skills.

Q: Can I apply if I am not a veteran? A: Yes, this position is open to the public.

Q: Is this a permanent position? A: No, this is a temporary appointment (not-to-exceed 1 year), with a potential for renewal.

Serving as a Health Physicist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center is an excellent opportunity to use your specialized skills to support our nation’s veterans. By ensuring safety and compliance, you play an integral role in the quality of care provided at our facilities. Apply today to start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Health Physicist (Radiation Safety) Job Matters

Protect our nation's heroes by ensuring the highest standards of radiation safety at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville.

Health Physicist (Radiation Safety) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Health Physicist (Radiation Safety) to serve at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. In this pivotal role, you will lead the radiation safety program, ensuring that all clinical and research activities—including nuclear medicine, brachytherapy, and lab services—adhere to strict regulatory and safety standards. This is a crucial position for a detail-oriented professional committed to the safety of veterans, staff, and the facility environment.

Requirements for Health Physicist (Radiation Safety)

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, or calculus.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
English language proficiency in speaking and writing.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to comply with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist (Radiation Safety)

Certification as a Health Physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
Proven track record in managing facility-wide radiation safety programs.
Extensive experience with NRC licensing, OSHA requirements, and Joint Commission standards.
Demonstrated ability to perform radiation surveys, contamination monitoring, and source accountability.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
✓Predictable and Flexible Scheduling
✓Health Insurance Options
✓Career advancement and development opportunities within the VA system
✓Meaningful work in a supportive, mission-driven environment

💡 How to Apply Health Physicist (Radiation Safety) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Physicist (Radiation Safety) Job

Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a concise, results-oriented resume (maximum 2 pages).
Collect necessary supporting documents: transcripts, certifications, and veterans preference forms if applicable.
Complete the online application and mandatory assessment questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a potential invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year).
The 2-page limit for resumes is strictly enforced; focus on high-impact, relevant achievements.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and avoid potential upload errors.
Double-check your email, including spam folders, for assessment links or status notifications.
Tailor your experience section to align directly with the core duties of radiation safety, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Louisville, Kentucky. You must live within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance.

What is the appointment type?

This is a temporary appointment (not-to-exceed 1 year), which may be renewed for one additional year based on agency needs.

Do I need to submit transcripts?

Yes, if you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcript to receive credit.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to honoring those who have served our nation. We provide world-class, compassionate healthcare to millions of Veterans, their families, and survivors. Working at the VA is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to a noble mission while enjoying the stability and professional growth that comes with a career in federal service.