This occupation is part of the Life, Physical, and Social Science cluster
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About the Job
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
It is also Called
- Alara Technician
- Chemical Radiation Technician
- Chemistry Technician
- Decontaminator
- Health Physics Technician (HP Technician)
- Nuclear Chemistry Technician
- Nuclear Technician Research and Development
- Radiation / Chemistry Technician
- Radiation Control Technician (Radcon Technician)
- Radiation Monitor
What They Do
- Calculate safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.
- Inform supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.
- Monitor personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.
- Provide initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.
- Collect samples of air, water, gases, or solids to determine radioactivity levels of contamination.
- Instruct personnel in radiation safety procedures and demonstrate use of protective clothing and equipment.
- Determine intensities and types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.
- Set up equipment that automatically detects area radiation deviations and test detection equipment to ensure its accuracy.
- Determine or recommend radioactive decontamination procedures, according to the size and nature of equipment and the degree of contamination.
- Place radioactive waste, such as sweepings and broken sample bottles, into containers for disposal.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RCI.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Conventional and Investigative environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Relationships and Independence in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in Washington was $53,740.00 with most people making between $27,720.00 and $74,910.00
Outlook
2.69%
avg. annual growth
During 2008, this occupation employed approximately 520 people in Washington. It is projected that there will be 650 employed in 2018.
This occupation will have about 14 openings due to growth and about 16 replacement openings for approximately 30 total annual openings.
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