Health Physics Analysis Laboratories Technician 3 or 4 - Shift D

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Process and Sampling Technician 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Health Physics Analysis Laboratories (HPAL) program analyzes a variety of samples for the presence of radioactive materials in support of the Laboratory's Nuclear Security Mission. The program performs non-destructive measurements of samples collected in support of the LANL Radiation Protection Program, analyzing over 200,000 samples per year. HPAL has capabilities for measuring a wide variety of radioisotopes for total alpha and beta activity as well as isotopic determinations. Upon qualification, the selected candidate will be responsible for analysis of samples at the TA-55 Plutonium Facility during evening and night shifts, working independently and with other technicians. Weekend work will be required.
#Shiftwork

Process and Sampling Technician 3, $59,200 - $91,600 (plus shift differential for evening, night, and weekend shifts)
This level position requires working knowledge of theory and concepts associated with radiation detection and measurements. The selected candidate will:

  • Perform instrument checks and calibrations of various HPAL detection systems
  • Analyze samples and validate data against quality specifications
  • Prepare reports and support troubleshooting and QA activities
  • Operate and maintain radiation detection instrumentation
  • Monitor data trends and assist in the development of new or revised procedures
  • Provide occasional training to less experienced staff

Process and Sampling Technician 4, $71,200 - $112,900 (plus shift differential for evening, night, and weekend shifts)
In addition to the responsibilities listed for Technician 3, the Technician 4 role requires a comprehensive understanding of radiation detection principles and leadership capabilities. The selected candidate will:

  • Lead and guide complex analytical processes and problem solving activities
  • Oversee calibration and maintenance of detection instrumentation.
  • Review and approve analytical results, QA measurements, and corrective actions.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of procedure revisions.
  • Provide instruction and mentorship to other technicians.
  • Coordinate with internal and external groups to resolve complex issues.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Knowledge of ionizing radiation, radiological units, radiation detection principles, and associated calculations.
  • Experience in the performance of radiological measurements and interpreting data.
  • Experience in the preparation of electronic report forms and/or data entry using software programs.
  • Demonstrated high degree of attention to detail in ensuring data quality objectives and commitment to data integrity.
  • Demonstrated ability in problem solving.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • Demonstrated strong ability to communicate orally and in writing.
  • Ability to wear PPE in a radiological environment and follow strict safety protocols.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires US Citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Process and Sampling Technician 4:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Demonstrated advanced working knowledge of ionizing radiation, radiological units, radiation detection principles, and associated calculations.
  • Senior-level knowledge and experience in the performance of radiological measurements.
  • Senior skill in the preparation and presentation of test-measurement results.
  • Proven ability to independently resolve analytical or instrumentation issues.
  • Experience overseeing QA/QC activities and corrective action implementation.
  • Ability to lead, instruct and direct the work of others.

Education/Experience for Process and Sampling Technician 3: Associate's Degree in radiological sciences or a related field and 3 years experience directly related to radiation detection and measurement; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience for Process and Sampling Technician 4: Associate's Degree in radiological sciences or a related field and 5 years experience directly related to radiation detection and measurement; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DOE Order 426.2A:
Requires a High School Degree

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience in instrument calibration and maintenance.
  • Experience in operation of Berthold LB770/LB790 gas-flow proportional counters.
  • Experience in operation of Perkin-Elmer TriCarb liquid scintillation counters.
  • NRRPT certification.

Work Schedule: Schedule D Shift Night 4 x 10 hours Friday - Monday 5:00pm-3:30am

Essential Job Functions
(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Peripheral vision, Reading vision, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 GHz), Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Sitting, Standing, Walking, Climbing stairs, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Climbing Ladders, Climbing stairs, Bending, Kneeling, Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque with hands or arms, Gripping with the hands, Pressing with hands or arms, Pushing with hands or arms, Pulling with hands or arms, Typing or keyboarding, Fine motor control, Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Use of both legs, Use of both feet, Lifting 20-30 pounds, Carrying 20-30 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work near sources of ionizing radiation, Working alone, Working overtime or an irregular schedule, Working off-shift/rotating schedule, Operation of motor vehicles, Working overtime or an irregular schedule, Safety glasses or eye protection, Face shield or facial protection, Gloves or hand protection, Safety shoes or protective footgear.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment:
Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

  • Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
  • This position requires the use of PPE in a radiological environment.
  • When qualified, the selected candidate will be expected to work on evening and night shifts with weekend work.
  • The selected candidate must be able to obtain and hold a DOE Q clearance.


Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q
(Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants:
Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.