Organisation: Environmental Protection Authority South Australia
Job Title: Radiation Protection Officer
Word Limit: 350 to 500 words per criterion
Relevant proven knowledge and experience in the principles of radiation protection, and
radiation physics
My degree in Occupational Health and Safety was done in an apprenticeship in the Nuclear Energy
Generator Company in France and so is very much focused on the safety protocols relating to
radiation. I worked after my degree in the plant in particular with a company specialising in steam
generator hatch closure where the level of radiation is the higher (Red zone – Areas where
significant contamination with chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agents has
been confirmed or is strongly suspected but area has not been characterized. The Area is
presumed to be life threatening from both skin contact and inhalation). I have also completed
specific training in radiation physics at university and I have given safety talks to staff on the
subject of nuclear access controlled zones and am an authority on radiation safely and the
protocols required to ensure safety in a radiation zone.
My knowledge and expertise in this area is demonstrated by
My understanding of nuclear physics, contamination, radiation, effect on human beings
My insistence on the use of PPE and hygiene associate (cloths, use of equipment control) control,
regulation and law associated with nuclear work regulation
Supervision of work in nuclear zone including control, cartography, monitoring and follow up
radiation dosimetry
My ability to carry out routine inspection in respect of procedure, dosimetry, and radioactive
cleanliness
Able to analyse accidents and incidents relative to nuclear activities and brainstorm improvement
solutions
A Skills Assessment from VETASSESS for the nominated occupation of Environmental Health Officer
(2015)
I also hold
An Advanced Diploma of Management, Queensland International Institute (2014
A Bachelor of Science, a Major in Public Health, University of the Sunshine Coast (2013)
An Academic English Course, University of the Sunshine Coast (2011)
An Advanced Level/Business English, Ability Education, Sydney (2011)
An Associate Degree: Health, Safety and Environment, University Bordeaux 1 – In learning at: EDF
Nuclear Power Plant (2009).
My detailed knowledge of reviewing & developing OHSE policies and environmental awareness
analyse & recommendations and experience as an officer in an occupational health & safety
environment responsible for managing the OHSE accreditation process for TCMI, a nuclear power
plant, Oil & Gas and road construction sub-contractor in France has enhanced my appreciation and
understanding of the importance of safety in all areas of the work place. My competency in
identifying, analysing and developing recommendations to reduce exposure to risk such as
activities related to ionizing radiation, use of chemical products, and updating of analysis activity
documents is illustrated by my having identified, evaluated and controlled workplace hazards,
making relevant recommendations to the business to ensure compliance.
Proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and I writing, with a wide variety of
people including government and industry representatives and with the public
My excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing are clear and
precise and I tailor my communication and information to suit each individual’s levels of
knowledge and experience including those who struggle with the English language and those who
are distressed and upset. I am able to communicate effectively by determining their level of
understanding and tailoring my style to ensure they do understand. This is very important to be
able to perform an accurate assessment and give the correct accurate information precisely. As a
confident and experienced communicator, I coordinate well with other colleagues and am highly
trusted.
This is illustrated by my previous role as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officer with Nuclear
Energy Generator, EDF Power Plant in France. During all communications I ensured the correct
OHS terminology was employed referring to the appropriate legislation within all written reports,
policies and procedures I had developed and implemented. I also provided concise and accurate
information regarding critical adherence to strict government guidelines regarding nuclear safety,
radiation and certification. I did this through thorough site inspections and study of the work
environment and the result was the Nuclear Energy Generator, EDF Power Plant fully compliant
with the governmental guidelines and standard OHS operational regulations so reducing risk and
establishing a safer work environment.
With Nuclear Energy Generation safety is paramount and observing the safety and radiation
protection protocols most important. In this context and being extremely safety conscious I
worked with a diverse range of employees, contractors and others on site to ensure that all safety
protocols were met. This included my lecturing and conducting training sessions with various
groups of people from many diverse backgrounds and cultures on the importance how to be
conscious of radiation leaks and radiation protection and the importance of wearing a Ionising
Radiation Dosimeter for example. The Ionising Radiation Dosimeter is primarily used to estimate
the radiation dose deposited in an individual wearing the device. Also conducted training relating
to Yellow Zone (Yellow Zone Areas where contamination with chemical, biological, radiological, or
nuclear (CBRN) agents is possible but active release has ended and initial monitoring exists) and
orientation and welcome training for visitors and the general public on tour as well as visiting
companies and maintenance crews.
With each inspection, training or other safety activity I would write up a report to management
outlining the activity, the findings if applicable and my recommendations. This was always well
received and my recommendations were invariably accepted by Senior Management.
Proven ability to plan and schedule work activities to meet deadlines, including project planning,
delivery and reporting with limited or no professional supervision
A self-motivated and achievement-orientated professional, I take responsibility for meeting strict
deadlines when working within a high volume time-critical area. Throughout my career I have
gained a thorough understanding of situations where deadlines must be strictly observed, gaining
advanced skills in accordingly prioritising my workloads according to importance, resulting in my
ability to work productively and consistently achieve results both within a team environment as
well as autonomously. Demonstrating a high level of motivation, personal drive and integrity, I
successfully balanced work with the ability to multitask and remain focused. My career to date has
involved diverse responsibilities, such as mentoring and training, and embracing customer-based
and team-based service delivery models, which have enabled me to develop excellent personal
and professional skills. With a demonstrated record of commitment, consistency and a focus on
quality service and outcomes, I possess practical experience and a range of professional skills and
strengths that contribute to positive outcomes.
In my role as OHS Officer at TCMI in France for example, I planned my schedule each week and day
to ensure I met deadlines and completed projects, such as training schedules, on time (I was
employed to drive the implementation of a new safety quality environment certification-
OSHSAS18001). I very often worked autonomously planning and working to lead the team towards
understanding the vital importance of being aware of OHS responsibilities in order to effectively
operate efficiently and safely. This included organising meetings, delegating tasks, following up
with various contractors, employees and managers to ensure they were OHS compliant and
writing up information manuals, reports to Senior Management and performing Health and Safety
Audits. I was strict in scheduling my time and following my planned schedules to ensure I
completed all tasks within the required timeframes. The result was a company that was cognisant
of the importance of safety on site and a greatly reduced safety risk factor.
My ability to cope under pressure, see the bigger picture, liaise effectively with multiple
stakeholders, adhere to strict governance, deliver on timescales, address serious security issues,
undertake risk assessments, administer paperwork and create well executed plans significantly
ensured that safety protocols were met and risk was mitigated.
Proven ability to learn, develop and improve new and existing practices in regulation, technical
aspects of operations and stakeholder management
My ability to be proactive within the work place is illustrated by my participation in improving
existing practices to reflect appropriate application of regulatory and technical aspects of
operations and stakeholder management.
A Nuclear Power plants construction includes many potential areas for risk of accidents if care is
not taken including many gantries, stairs, steps, pipes on the ground, slippery floors and other
potential hazards not to mention the potential for radiation leakage. There are also often
maintenance crews operating with their equipment present and not always safely positioned. All
these factors can contribute to accidents such as trips and falls. I played a significant part on a
team safety project set up to draft new safety measure after I observed an increase in accidents
such as falls. This project included a needs analysis, statutory specificity study, hazard
identification procedures and the implementation of processes designed to reduce the element of
risk. This included consulting and negotiating with various departments for the establishment of
civic changes in the construction of the plant such as extra concreting and metal modifications all
within budget. Meetings and discussions took place to decide what a risk was or represented a
danger in the planet, particularly where there was an absence of regulation to cover a specific
area.
My participation in the modifications included recommendations on installing safety rails, setting
up appropriate signage and improving the education of employees, contractors, managers and
visitors on the safety protocols required in a Nuclear Power Plant. The education and orientation
done through my written manuals on the subject, organising lectures and training sessions
resulted in an increase of safety within the planet, an increased awareness of all stakeholders of
the importance of safety and a zero accident rate.
As the officer with an occupational health & safety environment; responsible for managing the
OHSE accreditation process for TCMI, a nuclear power plant, Oil & Gas and road construction sub-
contractor in France. I made sure the workers and clients performed their work in a safe and
healthy environment. I updated the manual under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
and created the induction package for visitors and new employees doing the presentation and
guided the OHS procedure and achieving MASE certification (a French certification system
formulated by chemical, oil and gas industries for contractors to ensure safe work practices and
consistent working standards; similar to OHSAS 18001)
I also developed the Emergency Exit Plan for the organisation, Policy and Procedure Manual and
insurance information, making sure that the updated manual was well covered by the Insurances
guidelines and the Act. Creating an emergency plan where, in a situation of emergency we had a
meeting point I ensured all staff were able to move out of the building and return to their office
when safe. This was reviewed and Approved by my Senior Manager.
Proven ability to work with a high level of initiative and competence, with limited or no
professional supervision
I have a high standard of autonomous problem-solving skills and I am not afraid to use a risk
management approach. In using this method, I base my decisions on my knowledge and
understanding of the organisation’s objectives and consider the ramifications of issues and long-
term impact of my own work and that of the work areas. I am a strategic-thinker however if I am
in any doubt I seek guidance or advice from my manager or supervisor. It is rewarding to make
decisions based on my experience and I am able to use my initiative, sound judgment and
common sense to overcome more demanding tasks within my role.
I am confident in my ability to provide guidance and excellent leadership and believe in the
importance of leading by example, providing clear direction and assisting others to develop their
skills. My approach is to focus on achieving quality results by creating a harmonious work
environment where the team can openly discuss issues and subsequently resolve them. I
encourage mutual respect and request collaboration of ideas to improve processes and
procedures and maximise work goals. To nurture productive working relationships within the
organisation, I recognise positive benefits that can be gained from diversity and encourage the
exploration of diverse views. No one person thinks alike and I accept that staff work differently,
have diverse perspectives and uncommon views and all of these differences should be considered
as a factor when training, introducing new work methods/instructions, procedures or policies. I
quite often explore and maintain an awareness of the different personalities within our office,
which helps me to interact at a level that is appropriate and helps them understand the message I
am conveying.
Much of the work I do within my career has required me to work autonomously with discipline
and responsibly and this is illustrated when I had my own cleaning business. During my tenure
running my own cleaning business I developed a high level of discipline, effectiveness and
competence doing what was required in order to achieve positive outcomes. This included
managing a team of 35 workers of different nationalities and cultures in many diverse
locations on the Queensland Coast fulfilling cleaning contracts to the client’s satisfaction. I
dealt with a range of clients including councils, supermarkets, schools, childcare, pub and clubs.
Proven ability to relate well to persons at all levels including those in medical, scientific,
industrial and Government organisations work colleagues and the public, and to work efficiently
and harmoniously and contribute ideas in a team environment
In my capacity as a safety conscious employee I developed productive professional relationships
with a wide variety of clients and stakeholders. Establishing practical and effective professional
networks internally and externally was inaugurated with my multicultural team, containing diverse
differences in work ethics and communication with cultures that they were not familiar with. As a
team, we work collaboratively and maintain cooperative partnerships. This is achieved with
monthly team meetings with the emphasis to establish trust, respect and understanding towards
each other. This promotes an understanding of, and commitment to, workplace diversity and
working positively with colleagues and team members to contribute to joint business outcomes.
Establishing a culture of cooperation and understanding within the team fosters participative
decision making that in turn, utilises each member’s skillset which promotes successful
accomplishments of the business objectives.
A confident and bilingual communicator, I have developed the ability to tailor my communications
to my audience and consult, negotiate and provide authoritative information and advice on a
variety of topics. I possess superior oral and written communication skills and the ability to
communicate with staff and stakeholders at all levels, supported by my experience delivering
authoritative advice, recommendations and ideas. Throughout my career, I have assumed a high
level of responsibility that has demanded exceptional interpersonal skills, including managing and
supervising staff, preparing and analysing financial reports, working closely with executive teams
and educating staff regarding company strategy, policies and programs.
This is illustrated by an incident in a Nuclear Power Plant. Sometimes it was necessary to enter a
nuclear zone (under radiation) to conduct safety and radiation inspections. At one point whilst the
company was working on hydraulic pumps, during one of my routine inspections I observed the
staffs were not wearing the personal dosimeter as required. On checking with them it seemed
they would put the dosimeter down to do their work and not perform regular checks. I checked
my dosimeter which I wore at all times and noticed the area was contaminated. I mentioned this
to the staff explaining they would have stop the job they were doing and leave the area. They did
not believe me until I showed them my dosimeter which indicated a radiation leak. I also showed
them their radiation equipment which indicated the same results to make them realise the danger
of remaining in the area under those circumstances as it represented a risk of radiation poisoning.
The staffs were not experience in this as was I were and as there were no managers present I
make an autonomous decision to adjudicated that the risks in this situation was high (orange zone
radiation level) and action needed to be taken immediately. After the staff were removed and an
investigation was undertaken it was discovered that contaminated water was leaking from
another area and running through a pipe. I instituted further training for the company and its
workers about radiation equipment and the importance of having it present at all times and
regularly checked.
