Radiation Safety Officer

Roles and responsibilities

Advise and develop effective safety strategies, standards and procedures in Radiation Safety and oversee their implementation to assure that the risks associated with Radiation Sources across QATARENERGY are mitigated to a level that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP), are in compliance with all the statutory and corporate requirements, and aligned with the industry best practices.
1. Radiation Safety Program Management:
Develop and Implement Radiation Safety Plans: Establish and enforce comprehensive radiation safety programs that meet regulatory requirements (e.g., NRC in the U.S., HSE in the UK, IAEA globally) and industry standards.
Policy Development: Draft, review, and implement policies for the safe handling of radioactive materials, radiation-producing equipment, and radiation-emitting devices. This includes setting operational safety limits, radiation dose levels, and exposure control measures.
Program Review and Improvement: Regularly review and assess the effectiveness of radiation safety programs, identifying opportunities for improvements or upgrades based on new research, technology, and regulatory changes.
2. Radiation Monitoring and Assessment:
Radiation Surveys and Inspections: Perform routine inspections and radiation surveys using radiation detection and measurement equipment to assess radiation levels in areas where radioactive materials are used or stored. Ensure that these levels remain within safe limits.
Environmental Monitoring: Monitor the surrounding environment for any potential radiation leaks or contamination that could affect the public or the ecosystem. This includes air, water, soil, and surface contamination monitoring.
Equipment Calibration: Ensure that radiation detection and measurement equipment (e.g., Geiger counters, scintillation counters, dosimeters) are regularly calibrated and maintained for accuracy and reliability.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:
Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that the organization complies with all federal, state, and local radiation safety laws and regulations, such as those from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or other relevant bodies.
Licensing and Permits: Oversee the application for, renewal, and maintenance of the necessary licenses and permits to use radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment. This includes maintaining up-to-date records and ensuring compliance with all licensing requirements.
Incident Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of radiation incidents, accidents, and near-misses, and ensure that these are reported in accordance with regulatory requirements. This includes completing regulatory reports and documenting corrective actions taken after incidents.
4. Safety Training and Education:
Radiation Safety Training Programs: Develop and deliver training programs for all personnel who work with or are potentially exposed to radiation. This training may cover topics such as radiation hazards, safe work practices, emergency response procedures, and the proper use of radiation protection equipment (e.g., personal protective equipment, shielding).
Ongoing Education: Provide continuous education and training to ensure that personnel stay current with the latest radiation safety practices, new technologies, regulatory updates, and safety protocols.
Emergency Response Planning: Develop and conduct radiation emergency response drills, including procedures for dealing with spills, leaks, or accidents involving radioactive materials. Ensure personnel are prepared to handle such incidents safely.
5. Radiation Dose Management:
Monitor and Track Exposure: Keep detailed records of personnel radiation exposure, ensuring that exposure levels are kept within safe limits as per regulatory guidelines and organizational policies.
Dose Limits and Alarming: Ensure that individuals do not exceed the occupational dose limits set by regulatory agencies (e.g., NRC, ICRP) and that appropriate action is taken if dose levels approach or exceed these limits.
Personal Dosimetry: Oversee the issuance and monitoring of personal dosimeters (e.g., badges or electronic dosimeters) to workers, ensuring they are properly calibrated, used, and read regularly to track cumulative exposure levels.
6. Radiation Safety Audits and Investigations:
Radiation Safety Audits: Conduct internal audits and inspections to verify compliance with safety protocols and regulations. Ensure that safety measures are being followed consistently and that any identified issues are promptly addressed.
Accident Investigation: Lead investigations into any radiation-related accidents or safety breaches, identifying causes, documenting findings, and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Corrective Actions: Develop corrective action plans based on audit results or incident investigations and ensure that these plans are implemented effectively to improve safety

Desired candidate profile

BSc / BEng degree in Engineering or Science discipline is required.

Experience & Skills
1- A minimum of 15 years of relevant working experience in Radiation Safety is required. 2- A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in the oil and gas (O&G) industry or petrochemical industry, with experience in managing Radiation Safety is required. 3- Chartered Safety Professional (CSP) credential and/or International certification or training (e.g.: NEBOSH International General Certificate, NEBOSH Diploma or industry equivalent) is preferable. 4- Valid license as a Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) as per national requirements is required. 5- Demonstrated ability to leverage technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to influence outcomes across a wide range of stakeholder groups, while taking into account challenges to the business. 6- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both in terms of leading and motivating teams, as well as engagement with strategic stakeholders). 7- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and collaborate effectively across teams. 8- Excellent analytical skills and ability to recognize trends, assess risks and identify root causes. 9- Ability to apply sound judgment in problem solving, evaluating courses of action, and making decisions on complex radiation safety matters. 10- Excellent report writing skills. 11- Excellent verbal and written command of English, knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.