About This Career

Collects and tests samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

This career is part of the Energy cluster.

A person in this career:

• Briefs workers on radiation levels in work areas.
• Calculates safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.
• Monitors personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.
• Informs supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.
• Provides initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.
• Determines intensities and types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.
• Instructs personnel in radiation safety procedures and demonstrates use of protective clothing and equipment.
• Collects samples of air, water, gases, or solids to determine radioactivity levels of contamination.
• Analyzes samples, such as air or water samples, for contaminants or other elements.
• Determines or recommends radioactive decontamination procedures, according to the size and nature of equipment and the degree of contamination.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Exposed to radiation more than once a month
• Work in this occupation involves use of special protective items such as a breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suit, or radiation protection

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel