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HEALTH PHYSICIST

Department of Defense
Defense Health Agency
Public Health Occupational and Environmental Health

Summary

About the Position: This position is located in Falls Church, Virginia.

Management would prefer applicants who have certification from the American Board of Health Physicists or American Board of Radiology, qualified for certification, and/or is a Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspector.

This position is eligible for situational telework only and is not a remote position.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/20/2026 to 04/03/2026
Salary
$121,785 to - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Falls Church, VA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for ad hoc/situational telework only. It does not qualify for full-time or remote telework per agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - Up to 25% business travel is required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
HQKF-26-12913629-DHA
Control number
861494300

Duties

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  • Manage DHA Radioactive Materials Authorizations (DRMAs) issued to DHA components and subordinates.
  • Communicate independently with authorized commands to obtain information regarding applications for authorization renewals.
  • Review DRMA applications to ensure compliance with the DHA, Administrative Instructions, local command directives.
  • Serve as the health physics expert for the DHA components and subordinates with comprehensive radiation protection programs using radioactive materials and/or sources of ionizing radiation.
  • Provide comprehensive technical and administrative health physics expertise on the full range of radiation safety matters related to the use and testing of radioactive materials.
  • Provide regulatory guidance and technical support on all areas involving the receipt, handling, and transportation/shipment of radioactive materials.
  • Investigate reported radiological problems, incidents, or unusual circumstances involving facilities and materials.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Incumbent must be qualified by NRC regulations to serve as a permit writer and inspector within 24 months of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain an official government passport.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid stateside driver's license.
  • Moderate to heavy lifting up to 26 pounds is required.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education/experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Health Physicist GS-1306-13:

A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.

OR

B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education.

OR

C. Certification: Certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A. You must attach the certification. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: reviewing Radioactive Material Permits; storing and/or transporting radiation materials; and conducting radiation safety inspections. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
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Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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