Specialty Summary. Applies engineering and scientific knowledge and techniques in identifying and managing risks for health protection purposes; participates in developing procedures, techniques, and equipment; conducts or supervises engineering services; and participates in medical facility programs. Related DoD Occupational Group: 26080



Duties and Responsibilities:

AFSC 43EXA/B/D/F/G: Performs and supervises bioenvironmental engineering programs. Applies knowledge of engineering and the sciences to assist commanders in employing risk management principles to meet mission requirements during in-garrison and deployed operations. Performs risk assessment activities to evaluate systems, installations, and facilities for chemical, physical, and biological hazards which may cause illness, injury, reduced productivity or performance, or significant discomfort among Air Force personnel or members of military communities in occupational and community environments. Advises commanders on impact to mission from health risks and provides possible solutions. Recommends ways for commanders to better accomplish the mission based on application of engineering and risk management skills using field operational environment assessments including test analysis and laboratory findings. Analyzes plans, blueprints, and design specifications of proposed projects, such as weapon or support systems, maintenance activity facilities and community facilities, to ensure potential health hazards are identified and mitigated. Analyzes occupational and community environments and processes to determine whether chemicals, ionizing and nonionizing radiation sources, shock and vibration, acoustic energy, temperature, ergonomic stresses, etc., are adequately controlled. Promotes force health protection by identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks and hazards from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents. Conducts potable water surveillance and water vulnerability assessments. Advises commanders on protection and status of potable water and provides recommendations for water quality improvements and protection. Participates in creating and designing control measures or procedures, including methods of minimizing exposure and providing individual protection. Participates in disaster response activities to include WMD events, aircraft mishaps, industrial accidents and natural disasters by providing health hazard risk assessments; engineering, process, and personal protective equipment guidance; and risk mitigation recommendations. Participates in evaluation of respiratory and acoustic personal protective equipment effectiveness. Reviews facility requirements and modifications, and recommends actions to ensure safe and healthy workplaces while minimizing environmental impacts. Performs research and development on potential health hazards and control techniques. Participates in epidemiological and accident investigations. Participates in development of governing policies. Directs and supervises technicians conducting base bioenvironmental engineering activities. Serves as Radiation Safety Officer. Maintains liaison with local, state, and federal agencies on matters involving criteria, standards, performance specification, and monitoring related to environmental quality and occupational health matters.

Consultant in planning, designing, and constructing facilities for storage, use, and disposal of radioactive material or radiation producing devices. Ensures adherence to prescribed safety standards by inspecting all procedures used to handle, ship, store, use or dispose of nuclear components. Maintains liaison on health physics matters with representatives of the Radioisotope Committee, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other pertinent governmental and civilian agencies. Serves as Radiation Safety Officer where required.

Applies knowledge of architecture and engineering to modernize and maintain health care, training, and laboratory facilities. Provides guidance on functional and technical criteria specific to medical design and construction. Programs and plans medical facilities projects, reviews plans, specifications, and other supporting data for their technical, medical, and functional sufficiency.