Re: Re[2]: Open health physics position at NYSDEC

["Greg Sackett" <gregsackett@radix.net>]

Steve Rima wrote:
>      I don't know if the salary is a joke (it doesn't appear to be) but I 
>      wonder, how many of these kinds of positions go unfilled? Is this a 
>      typical salary for such a state government position? I do know that I 
>      pay more than this for non-degreed field technicians, and the cost of 
>      living is significantly lower in Colorado than in NYC.
>      
>      I would find it difficult to recommend health physics to someone as a 
>      career with these kinds of "opportunities."

Unfortunately, I am sure that it is not a joke, and I am also sure 
that the Radiation Safety Office (or whatever hiring party) is well 
aware of how low the salary is.  The fact is that Universities and 
many state agencies simply don't have the budgets to pay (what some 
would call) reasonable salaries.  Commercial, Medical, Consulting, 
and Federal Government tend to pay a bit better, but even some of 
those positions are hindered by budgets.

Perhaps the question isn't why aren't these jobs paying more money 
(often it simply isn't there), but how is this fact affecting safety 
at these institutions?  Are they able to attract quality or at 
least competent people at these salaries?  

It is hard to say... If you look at the salary surveys (which are 
hardly comprehensive) you will see that there are some CHP's even 
that are working for under 30k (not many, grant you).  Perhaps the 
fact is that the bulk of these positions are being filled by people 
that aren't HPs (by education or background) but instead come from 
some other field where these salaries are more reasonable.

I for one would love to work in a university setting.  I like the 
atmosphere, the programs, etc., but I doubt I could live with the 
salary.  I suppose one has to make tradeoffs and determine what is 
most important in life.

Sorry for the rambling, but I feel this will become a more important 
issue in the future.  Once the "Old guard" of HP's from the glory 
days have retired, moved on, etc., will there be enough "new blood" 
to take up the load?  Will enough of us "young 'uns" stay in the 
field or pursue something more lucrative?  Will government/industry 
still care enough about rad protection to fund the expense of such 
programs?  I have no idea... Any guesses?

Greg
 
*******************************************
Greg Sackett
Health Physicist
Enercon Services, Inc.
(301) 972-5221
gregsackett@radix.net
Texas A&M University, Class of '93, '95
******************************************
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