Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide expertise and to analyze radiochemistry samples in support of radiation monitoring programs operated by the Radiation Protection Service Laboratory. To provide required radioanalytical and field support to the Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Job requires: 1) Performing complex radiochemical analyses in the laboratory and in the field, using manual and automated analytical systems, applying new and established procedures and techniques to a wide variety of sample matrices (e.g.: drinking water, milk, reactor and mining effluents, air filters, vegetation, sediments). 2) Recording details of sample preparation and methods used, logging equipment maintenance and quality assurance performed, interpreting unusual test results (e.g.: manual calculation and analysis of gamma spectrum containing several interferences, accounting for large deviations from expected results) and submitting analysis results and reports to supervisor for approval. 3) Carrying out equipment standardization and quality control functions (egg: preparing radioactive standards for instrument calibration, choosing course of action (e.g.: manual or spreadsheet program calculation of instrument efficiency), plotting calibrations and various instrument control parameters). 4) Contributing to evaluation and development of new analytical procedures, and in the evaluation and commissioning of new instrumentation to improve overall laboratory efficiency and accuracy of analyses (egg: working through new published methodologies and adapting to suit purposes of the lab, testing new instrumentation for control parameters). 5) Conducting field sampling and measurements. Operating portable laboratory equipment in the field during emergencies or contingency exercises. 6) Training other staff in operation of new instrumentation, sampling procedures, and analytical techniques. Acting as a group leader (e.g.: scheduling work of students or contract staff).

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid driver's licence (Ontario Class G).

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of established and new laboratory and field-testing procedures, standards and techniques, and knowledge of the scientific principles and practices applicable to test protocols, procedures, methods and analytical systems in order to conduct radiochemistry tests on a variety of media (e.g.: air particulate on filters, water, foodstuffs). Job requires knowledge of chemistry, radiochemistry, advanced mathematics to perform tests, set up and operate equipment (e.g. gas flow counters, liquid scintillation counters, gamma spectrometers), analyze samples and ensure quality results. Job requires knowledge of the construction, operation, decontamination and capabilities of automated and manual laboratory equipment to troubleshoot procedures and equipment. Job requires knowledge of standards and methods for testing new equipment, determining its usefulness and cost-benefits, and for developing and introducing new steps in laboratory methods. Job requires the knowledge of operating, maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory analysis software (egg. Genie software for gamma spectrometry) and modifying software applicable to the analyses (egg. Creating batch fields, excel spreadsheets). Job requires knowledge of software applications to enter, retrieve and manipulate complex scientific data on tests conducted. Job requires knowledge of training to train other Ministry staff in analyzing equipment performance. Job requires knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations that apply to the work, and knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace to ensure compliance when performing supervisory responsibilities.

Skills :

Job requires research and analysis skills to conduct tests and to determine results by selecting from a variety of new and established procedures, standards and techniques that may involve a number of interrelated steps e.g. evaluating options/results against defined quality control criteria. Job requires problem-solving skills to determine appropriate use of equipment and application of scientific methods, (developing new steps if required), including those requiring several interdependent steps to conduct tests on different media e.g. air particulate on filters, water, foodstuffs. Job requires diagnostic and evaluative skills to confirm and explain results when comparing expected versus actual output, including implications (e.g. processing legal samples) using quality control procedures to resolve problems arising out of testing and result interpretation. Job requires selecting from available quality control and assurance techniques to interpret quality control data against predefined criteria. Job requires analyzing resource consumption and legal implications when selecting test methods. Job requires performing mathematical and statistical calculations; creating and monitoring control charts, making authoritative technical recommendations to supervisor, and explaining techniques to other Ministry staff. Job requires written communication skills to record data on test findings and testing methods used, and quality control measures in technical language, for technical and laypersons. Job requires written communications to document new or revised laboratory quality control steps and methods. Job requires oral communications to arrange visits for testing and explain techniques to other Ministry staff and stakeholders. Job requires oral communication and interpersonal skills to discuss detailed new equipment and procedural tests, detailed test findings, to discuss interdependent testing procedures and to respond to requests for tests.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within established laboratory procedures, standards and techniques, and laboratory procedural manuals. Job requires making decisions in the development of new or modified steps in methods and in selection of alternatives to standard testing procedures e.g. retesting using different/same method. Job requires identifying causes and documenting and/or correcting process or equipment deficiencies, and/or discussing problems relating to persistent deviations from standards or written precedents with supervisor. Job requires testing, evaluating, reporting on and/or recommending new equipment and methods. Work is reviewed for accuracy of results. Job requires working independently, although may receive technical assistance from supervisor on persistent, unusual test results or major deviations from expected results.