Section Chief, Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement (Radioactive Materials)

California, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Supervising Health Physicist to lead the Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement Section for radioactive materials within the Radiologic Health Branch. Based in Sacramento, this position supports CDPH’s mission to protect and promote the health of all Californians by ensuring radioactive materials are used safely and in accordance with state law and federal standards. Under the general direction of the Radiologic Health Branch Chief, the Section Chief plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the statewide radioactive materials program. The incumbent supervises staff in the Radiological Assessment Unit and radioactive materials inspection units in Northern and Southern California, and oversees county service contracts for program activities in Los Angeles and San Diego. The role sets and maintains inspection criteria, procedures, and guidance; promotes consistent, timely inspections and enforcement decisions; and directs responses to complex technical, administrative, and compliance matters, including incidents with significant public health or safety implications. The Section Chief oversees field inspections, reviews technical reports and correspondence, provides staff direction and training, and addresses complicated licensing and noncompliance matters. The incumbent coordinates with state and federal regulatory partners, county programs, local district attorneys, and CDPH’s Office of Legal Services to support consistent regulatory oversight. The position also provides managerial-level technical consultation and policy interpretation to staff, licensees, government agencies, and other stakeholders on radioactive materials handling, surveying, transportation, disposal, sampling, and contamination. A key responsibility is coordinating radioactive materials emergency planning and response with the California Office of Emergency Services, National Guard units, and local and county emergency planners. The Section Chief helps ensure response resources and guidance are ready, participates in exercises and training, and may respond to radiological emergencies involving facilities or transportation. This position requires sound judgment, clear communication, dependable attendance, and collaborative leadership. Telework is available, with approximately 10% travel, which may include overnight stays. Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate a statewide radioactive materials inspection, compliance, and enforcement program. Ability to supervise staff, provide direction and training, address personnel and administrative matters, and take appropriate corrective action when needed. Ability to interpret and apply radiation safety laws, regulations, policies, and federal standards consistently. Ability to evaluate complex technical, regulatory, and administrative issues involving radioactive materials, licensing, inspections, and enforcement. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and review technical reports, correspondence, and regulatory materials and communicate effectively with staff, the public, licensees, and partner agencies. Ability to coordinate effectively with state and federal agencies, county programs, legal counsel, local officials, and emergency response partners. Ability to support emergency planning, participate in preparedness exercises and training, and respond to radiological emergencies or incidents. Ability to maintain consistent and regular attendance, complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner, and follow departmental policies and procedures. Must meet the general qualifications described in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 172, including integrity, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Approximately 10% travel is required and may include overnight stays.