Launch Your Career as a Health Physicist with the US Navy

Are you a dedicated scientist or engineer passionate about radiation safety and emergency preparedness? The Department of the Navy is offering a career-defining opportunity for a Health Physicist to join the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role is essential for maintaining the safety, security, and operational readiness of our nation’s naval fleet.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Physicist at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, your work will be critical to the facility's success. Your primary duties will include:

Emergency Preparedness: Initiating, developing, and evaluating new environmental monitoring techniques and emergency response plans.
Radiation Assessment: Conducting research into improved radiation dose assessment procedures for major releases of fission products.
Training Management: Overseeing radiological training, certification, and qualification pipelines for emergency response personnel.
Surveillance: Performing technical audits on emergency equipment and ensuring all procedures meet regulatory standards.
Coordination: Assisting in shipyard-wide coordination with federal, state, and local agencies during actual or potential radiological incidents.

Comparison: Qualifications for Success

Feature	GS-09 Level Expectation	GS-11 Level Expectation
Planning Role	Assists in drill preparation	Independently oversees drill execution
Technical Guidance	Provides minor assistance	Develops and reviews technical procedures
Certification Tasks	Enters and tracks records	Oversees and audits qualification pipelines
Reporting	Compiles data for reports	Authors comprehensive evaluation reports

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess a bachelor's degree in a natural science or engineering discipline, including at least 30 semester hours in fields such as radiological science, physics, biology, or calculus. Candidates must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at an equivalent grade level (GS-09 or GS-11) that proves their ability to handle radiological emergency operations.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $62,640 to $118,092 per year. Compensation is determined based on the successful candidate's experience, education, and current federal grade level, providing clear opportunities for professional growth within the General Schedule (GS) system.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Navy enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their professional and personal well-being. This includes:

Health and Wellness: Access to high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Professional Growth: Access to advanced training and internal promotion opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: The 2-page limit is strictly enforced. Ensure you describe your experience with specific accomplishments that correlate to the duties listed in this announcement.
Documentation: Have your transcripts ready, even if they are unofficial at the time of application. They are essential for verifying your basic educational requirements.
USA Hire: Be prepared to dedicate at least two hours to the USA Hire assessment once invited. Ensure your contact email is current.

This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve your country by ensuring the highest level of radiological safety at one of the Navy's premier facilities. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a focus on critical infrastructure, this is the perfect time to advance your career with the Department of the Navy.

Why This Health Physicist Job Matters

Join the elite team at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and serve as a vital protector of radiological safety for our nation's fleet.

Health Physicist Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a dedicated Health Physicist to join the Radiological Emergency Planning Division at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. This pivotal role involves leading environmental monitoring efforts, developing radiation dose assessment procedures, and managing radiological emergency training programs to ensure the highest standards of safety for naval operations.

Requirements for Health Physicist

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, or mathematics.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (for higher consideration) or GS-09 level (for baseline qualification) in the federal service or equivalent private sector work.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Competency in radiological safety, project management, and effective communication.
Completion of required USA Hire assessment tools.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist

Active certification as a Health Physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
Proven experience in developing and executing scenario-driven radiological emergency drills.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with external Federal, State, and Local government emergency agencies.
Experience managing personnel certification databases and identifying training deficiencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
✓Career stability within the Department of the Navy.

💡 How to Apply Health Physicist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Physicist Job

Create or update your resume in the USAJOBS builder to ensure all relevant experience is highlighted (2-page limit).
Click the Apply Online button and complete the required questionnaires.
Submit your application package by the closing date of November 10, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire assessments within 48 hours of receipt.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes employer names, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
Clearly document your experience at specific grade levels (e.g., GS-09/GS-11) if currently a federal employee.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 and other supporting documents are attached.
Keep your resume concise and focused on the core competencies requested, as there is a strict 2-page limit.
Verify your transcripts are ready for upload, as these are mandatory to verify educational requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this position?

You must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science or engineering field, with a minimum of 30 semester hours covering subjects such as health physics, radiological science, physics, chemistry, or mathematics.

Are there specific assessment requirements?

Yes, candidates may be required to complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments. Instructions will be emailed to you after you submit your application.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Job from United States Fleet Forces Command

The Department of the Navy (DON) is dedicated to protecting our nation through mission-driven, innovative work. Civilian employees serve alongside military personnel, providing the technical expertise required to maintain state-of-the-art naval capabilities. Working at a Naval Shipyard provides an unparalleled environment where technical precision meets national security, offering a stable, rewarding career path with extensive professional development.