Exam Bulletin - Junior Health Physicist

Department of Public Health

Exam Code: EX-2612

Examination Plans Included:

  • JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Bulletin Updates

  • Continuous filing dates have been changed.

Classification Details

JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST: $5,279.00 - $6,910.00 per Month

View the JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 4/21/2025
  • 6/30/2025
  • 10/20/2025

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST - Open

Persons who meet the minimum qualifications as stated on this announcement may take this competitive examination.

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2612

For JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02612

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Human Resources Division
    Department of Public Health
    Examination Services Unit
    P.O. Box 997378 MS 1700 – 1702
    Sacramento, CA 95899-7378

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Examination Services Unit
    1615 Capitol Avenue
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

Applications and any additional documents must be submitted via the U.S. Postal Service or hand delivered to the Department of Public Health Human Resources Office (hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Transcript (Official or Unofficial)
  • Other - STD. 678 STATE APPLICATION

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00103781 - JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST

Junior Health Physicist

Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Radiologic Health, Radiologic Science, Health Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science or a closely related science. (Registered seniors will be admitted to the examination, but must provide proof of graduation prior to appointment.)

It is your responsibility to make sure you meet the education and/or experience requirements stated on this announcement on the date you submit your application. Your signature on your application indicates that you have read, understood, and possess the basic qualifications required.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications must include “to” and “from” dates (month/day/year), time base, job titles and/or civil service class title(s), and range (if applicable) for all work experience. College course Information must include title, number of semester or quarter units, name of institution, completion 
dates, and degree. Applications received without this information will be rejected. Applicants must submit a copy of either official or unofficial transcripts along with the application when using education to meet the entrance requirements for this examination.

SCOPE OF EXAMINATION: Ratings will be determined based on the depth and breadth of professional education and experience beyond what is minimally required.

Position Description

00103781 - JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST

This is the trainee level in the series. Incumbents, under close supervision, learn and apply principals, practices, and techniques of health physics; assist with progressively more difficult and responsible tasks in licensing of facilities, compliance inspections, accident prevention, and staff work in support of these activities; prepare for advancement by on-the-job training and, where appropriate, academic education; and do other related work. Positions in this class are not supervisory.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
All candidates for, appointees to, and employees in the state civil service shall possess the general qualifications of integrity, honesty, sobriety, dependability, industry, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, courtesy, ability to work cooperatively with others, willingness and ability to assume the responsibilities and to conform to the conditions of work characteristic of the employment, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenAfter Acceptance100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

The examination will consist of a Qualifications Assessment and is the sole component of the Junior Health Physicist examination. To obtain a position on the eligible list, aminimum score of 70% must be received. The Qualifications Assessment is designed to elicit specific information regarding each candidate’s education, training, and experience relative to the testing classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. The Qualifications Assessment package will be emailed to the applicant in the form of a survey. Please monitor your email account’s SPAM, Junk, Bulk, etc. Folder (s) as the examination email may be filtered depending on your specific account settings.

The Department of Public Health reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

WRITTEN SCOPE:
1.Advanced Math.
2.Theory and Principles of Physical Science and Engineering.
3.Analysis and Reading Comprehension.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
1.Anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety to effectively carry out daily duties.
2.Radiation safety principles and practices as well as current rules and regulations of the NuclearRegulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies.
3.California radiation control laws and regulations, radiation standards set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement.
4.Basic research techniques to effectively and accurately conduct radiation safety and compliance inspections.
5.Theory and principles of physical science and engineering to effectively carry out daily duties.
6.Basic report writing to effectively and accurately conduct radiation safety and compliance inspections.
7.Theory and applied science design of shielding for protection against radiation.
8.Theory and practice of health physics and radiation protection to protect the public, radiation workers, and the environment.
9.California Health and Safety Codes, California Code of Regulations, and Federal Regulations pertaining to X-ray machines and the users of these.
10.Radiation dosimetry and the theory and design of instruments and methods used to measure radiation.
11. Use, transport, and care for equipment necessary to support radiological investigations.
12.Biological effects of ionizing radiation to determine the harmful effects as a result of exposure.
13.Various parameters entering into evaluation of radiological hazards involved in medical, dental, industrial, and laboratory work, and the use of radiation machines and radioactive materials.
14.Theory and principles of physical science and engineering.

Skills to:
1.Communicate and facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, and the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
2.Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
3.Maintain detailed workbooks/documentation and ensure all documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards.
4.Perform mathematical calculations in order to accomplish certain job-related tasks.
5.Utilize a personal computer and software programs to conduct daily work (e.g., Microsoft Word,Excel, and Outlook).
6.Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
7.Analyze radiation program elements to support radiological investigations.
8.Identify project resources and deadlines in order to prioritize work assignments, establish timeliness for completion, and to assure that project goals are met.

Ability to:
1.Read and comprehend written instructions, correspondence, memorandums and medical
records.
2.Analyze situations accurately, derive recommendations, and take effective action.
3.Effectively and accurately communicate both orally and in writing, with staff, management, the public, and others to provide information and direction.
4.Prepare clear and concise reports regarding radiological investigations.
5.Learn and understand a broad range of technical data and applying it to individual cases.
6.Perform mathematical calculations in order to accomplish certain job-related tasks.
7.Use, transport, and care for equipment necessary to support radiological investigations.
8.Gather and understand scientific data related to ionizing radiation.
9.Apply ethical standards where necessary pertaining to patients, personnel, and/or facilities.
10.Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff, management, and others in the course of the work.
11.Properly use radiation detection and other equipment necessary to the assigned duties.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the JUNIOR HEALTH PHYSICIST Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Public Health

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies in

  • Contra Costa County
  • Orange County
  • Sacramento County

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Public Health

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Public Health
Anna Shao
Examination Services Unit
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73-430
P.O. Box 997378 MS 1700-1702
Sacramento, CA 95899-7378
Phone: (916) 445-0983
CDPHExamUnit@cdph.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Public Health reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)