draft OPM std - opinion

[Slaback@micf.nist.gov]

Some time ago someone mentioned a revision to the OPM std
for classifying HP positions.  In fact the proposed revision
is one that combines all the different physical science jobs
into ONE STANDARD.  The following in *my opinion* on this
draft for those who might be interested.

The deadline for comment to OPM was 15 July, but don't let 
that prevent you from expressing contrary views.

Subject:  Comment on propsed OPM Standard for Professional
Physical Science Work

Basically this standard is so general that it can be applied to
any science position, or even any technical position, equally
well or poorly.  The peculiar/unique aspects of any specialty are
totally lost in this proposal.  In particular the standard is
deficient in regard to the Health Physics profession because it
does not reflect the non-science aspects of the profession, e.g.,
regulatory issues, legal issues, education/teaching skills; the
knowledge required in other (non-physical) science specialties,
e.g., biology, epidemiology; nor the potential public safety
impact of the job responsibilities.

Because of the lack of any language addressing non-physical
science issues the implication is that the Health Physics
positions are classified only on the basis of their physical
science component.  This would obviously be detrimental to the
Health Physics specialty.


A little risk adds spice to life.
slaback@MICF.NIST.gov