Job Description

Environmental Scientist Transportation Specialist

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $25.90 - $53.87 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Coral Ortega | caortega@utah.gov | 801-538-4624
Application Deadline – 8/29/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) is looking for a Transportation Specialist to provide Generator Site Access (GSA) program oversight, regulation enforcement and determine state and federal regulatory compliance of hazardous materials that arrive in Utah for radioactive waste disposal. As a DWMRC Transportation Specialist and Hazardous Materials Inspector, you represent the Division in all aspects of the transportation of hazardous material and radioactive waste via rail and truck, and in the administration and enforcement of its safety regulations over shippers/consignees, permittees and agents. You will perform inspections and investigations, take corrective action when warranted; and keep the supervisor informed of all practices, whether or not governed by law, which might endanger the safety of those engaged in handling hazardous materials.

This position may be filled at any of the advertised levels listed below. Salary depends on the job level offered within the series.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out an itinerary of periodic inspections of the transportation and handling of hazardous material truck and rail shipments checking for compliance with applicable hazardous materials regulations, state rules and license conditions.
• Investigate shipper’s, generator’s, permittees and consignee’s packaging, marking, labeling, shipping procedures and documentation of the shipments of hazardous materials.
• Conduct investigations of non-compliant actions and develop evidence of violation of the hazardous materials regulations.
• Collect and document pertinent information, interview witnesses, perform comprehensive analysis of findings, write detailed reports.
• Inspect bulk and non-bulk packages containing waste and/or hazardous materials assuring the package integrity and report an unintentional release of waste and/or observing radioactive material contamination or exposure.
• Perform radiological surveys of packages, transport vehicles and conveyances using instrumentation that measures contamination and dose.
• Interface, communicate and work with representatives from the transportation industry, permittees and radiation safety officers.
• Provide technical expertise in the shipment of hazardous materials.
• Prepare daily inspection report information and input into a database summarizing observations and findings.
• Conduct investigations of accidents/incidents resulting in safety concern, determine probable cause and report failure to conform to relevant regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 2+ years of Environmental Science work (preferably specializing in Health physics or radiation protection)
• Be able to work independently, prioritize work, and adjust quickly to changing priorities.
• Experience identifying and analyzing underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions.
• Experience working around railroad and trucking equipment and familiar with industry safety standards.
• Be physically capable to climb on equipment and carry instrumentation during inspection activities in inclement weather.
• Proficiency with modern office software including; word processing, database and spreadsheet applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Transportation, Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 100-177
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Health Physics, Environmental Science, Environmental Management or closely related fields from an accredited school.
• Certified by the American Academy of Heath Physics as a Certified Health Physicist
• Registered with the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER Certified
• Knowledge of principles, practices and administration of radiation safety programs including systems, processes and the application of statutes, rules and standards governing such programs.
• Knowledge of operation and calibration parameters of radiation detection instrumentation for both penetrating and non-penetrating radiation including knowledge of analytical instrumentation and procedures.
• Knowledge of biological effects of radioactive material and associated internal dosimetry.
• Ability to perform calculations pertaining to radiation dose, shielding and risk analysis associated with operating procedures.

Supplemental Information:

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Job Series

The selected candidate for this position may be brought in as an Environmental Scientist I with a salary range of $25.90- $38.90, an Environmental Scientist II with a salary range of $30.47 - $45.78 per hour, or an Environmental Scientist III with a salary range of $35.85 - $53.87 per hour.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
For more information about the Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, click here

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.