The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Environmental Health and Safety Department is seeking an Assistant Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) to support the management, development, and implementation of multiple programs in support of the safe use of ionizing radiation at the university. Under the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer, the ARSO is responsible for the supervision of a team of Senior Radiation Safety Specialists who provide operational support for radiation safety. The ARSO will assist in oversight of daily radiation safety program operations, program development, and provide specific expertise to safety audits, training, waste management operations, and R&D uses of ionizing radiation sources. The ARSO assures compliance with State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulations and university policy and procedures to achieve a safe working environment for faculty, staff, and students.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: 5 years’ professional experience in operational health physics. An advanced degree in radiological engineering, safety, health physics or related fields can substitute for 2 years of professional experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Must have comprehensive knowledge of health physics, regulations, and radiation detection.

  • Ability to write and teach training programs to adults effectively.

  • Knowledge, skills, and ability to appropriately manage technical compliance programs for the university.

  • Able to perform physical aspects of the job including standing, walking, light to medium lifting and carrying equipment. Able to wear and use PPE for hazardous materials handling and spill clean-up. Able to lift up to 50 pounds and use drum carts for manipulation of materials.

  • Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects, programs, and tasks across multiple university locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree

• Experience: Greater than 5 years’ experience in operational health physics. Previous experience in inspecting x-ray generating equipment for safety and compliance. Experience in conducting professional training programs. Experience in higher education. Experience in supervising professional employees.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Ability to meet qualification requirements for gaining staff inspector status for x-ray equipment in Tennessee.

  • Advanced skills and knowledge in assessing radiological safety and compliance in the workplace.

  • Advanced knowledge in health physics.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville. TN

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote – Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12

• Anticipated hiring range: 85k – 91k

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested material should be submitted on, or before June 30, 2026.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 professional references

About The College/Department/Division

The Environmental Health & Safety Department at the University of Tennessee is a dedicated partner to our campus community. We recognize that effective safety management requires cultivating a culture where people feel empowered, respected, and actively engaged in creating safe and sustainable environments. We support the university’s mission by fostering a safe and healthy campus where teaching, research, and public service can flourish.

• The Assistant Radiation Safety Officer position is responsible for the supervision and operational management of radiation safety programs and activities supporting ionizing radiation use at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

• This position ensures the programs are implemented in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and commitments. The position manages and provides technical and programmatic services for the radioactive materials program and implements the oversight program for x-ray producing equipment as required by Tennessee regulation in research and academic instructional areas.

• This position conducts hazard assessments and lab audits on areas utilizing radioactive materials and on x-ray producing equipment. The position writes and updates radiation safety operational program documents.

• The ARSO is responsible for development and delivery of in-person ionizing radiation safety training programs.

• This position will act as the RSO in the RSO's absence.

• This position is required to perform occasional 24-hour EHS On Call technical/emergency support and cross-functional support to other EHS department disciplines as needed.