Launch Your Career as a Health Physicist at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Are you a scientist or engineer passionate about nuclear safety and national defense? The Department of the Navy is currently hiring Health Physicists at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia. This role is critical to maintaining the radiological integrity of our fleet, offering you a unique opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in a high-stakes, industrial environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Physicist, you will be embedded within the Radiation Health Division. Your core duties include:
- Designing and implementing advanced dosimetry instrumentation.
- Analyzing radiological data to identify trends and ensure compliance.
- Conducting environmental sampling and shipyard surveys to assess risk.
- Maintaining historical exposure records for personnel.
- Developing emergency response strategies for industrial radiation health scenarios.
Qualifications Overview
| Level | Education/Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | Bachelor's degree (superior academic achievement) or 1 year of graduate study. |
| GS-09 | Master's degree or 2 years of progressively higher graduate education. |
All applicants must meet the basic education standard: a degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, physics, chemistry, or related disciplines.
Benefits and Compensation
This position offers a salary range of $51,210 to $81,436. Beyond pay, you will enjoy:
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Federal Employee Health Benefits.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual, with options for telework.
- Professional Growth: Access to DoD-funded training and certifications.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, keep your resume concise (maximum 2 pages). Clearly state your job title, dates of employment, and specifically describe how your previous work matches the responsibilities of this role. If you have any relevant professional certifications, such as those from the American Board of Health Physics, be sure to attach your credentials.
If you have the drive to protect those who defend our nation, a career as a Health Physicist at Norfolk Naval Shipyard is the perfect fit. Apply today to contribute to one of the most important missions in the United States military.
Why This Health Physicist Job Matters
Protect the fleet and the future: Join the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a Health Physicist and apply your expertise to critical nuclear propulsion and radiological safety programs.
Health Physicist Job Overview
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is seeking dedicated professionals for the role of Health Physicist within the Radiation Health Division. In this vital capacity, you will support the safety and integrity of naval nuclear reactor programs. You will be responsible for overseeing radiological data, developing complex instrumentation software, and maintaining rigorous safety standards to protect shipyard personnel and the surrounding community. This role offers an opportunity to merge technical scientific acumen with national defense objectives, contributing directly to the mission of the Department of the Navy.
Requirements for Health Physicist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet OPM positive education requirements: Degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, or mathematics.
- Specialized experience at the GS-07 or GS-09 level as defined by federal standards.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a complete 2-page maximum resume addressing specific duties and accomplishments.
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist
- Experience applying Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or NAVSEA regulations.
- Direct knowledge of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program operations.
- Proficiency in radiation dosimetry and emergency response protocols.
- Advanced education (Master's degree) in a related scientific field.
- Current certification as a Health Physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Professional development and internal training opportunities.
- ✓Competitive salary structure with potential for periodic grade increases.
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives, including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Health Physicist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Physicist Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a concise resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing your work history, dates, and hours per week.
- Gather supporting documentation, including academic transcripts, SF-50 forms, and any certifications.
- Complete the online questionnaire attached to the job posting.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline on November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory information is included.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties described in the job summary.
- Redact sensitive personal information like social security numbers from supporting documents unless specifically requested.
- Double-check that all uploaded files are legible to avoid an automatic ineligible rating.
- Apply well in advance of the deadline to troubleshoot any potential technical account issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of a Health Physicist at the shipyard?
You will serve as a technical expert responsible for monitoring radiological environments, managing dosimetry instrumentation, and ensuring all work complies with strict Navy and federal radiation safety regulations.
Can I qualify using a combination of education and experience?
Yes, if you meet the baseline course requirements (30 semester hours in related sciences), you may supplement your experience to meet the GS-07 or GS-09 requirements.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance.
What is the closing date for this application?
*A: The vacancy closes on November 9, 2026.*
Can I email my resume directly to the agency?
*A: No. All applications must be processed through the official USAJOBS portal. Hard copies sent to the agency will be destroyed.*
Job from United States Fleet Forces Command
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a pillar of the United States Navy's logistics and maintenance capability. As part of the Department of the Navy, our civilian workforce plays an essential role in keeping the fleet ready for global operations. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where purpose, patriotism, and professional growth converge. Whether you are launching your career or looking for a change of pace, we provide competitive federal benefits, extensive training, and a clear path for advancement.