US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Rockville, Maryland, us, 20849
DutiesAs the Director for the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, you will provide programmatic leadership and direction, plan, recommend, manage and implement programs of nuclear regulatory research. You will interface with all NRC Offices and the Commission on research issues along with independently propose and improvement to the agency's regulatory research programs and processes to achieve enhanced safety, efficiency and/or effectiveness based on the results of this research. These major duties are not an inclusive list. You will provide leadership and direction to subordinate supervisors and professional staff responsible for:
Coordinates research activities with the Program Offices, as appropriate. Coordinates the development of consensus and voluntary standards for agency use, including appointment of RES staff to committees.
Based on research results and experience gained, recommends regulatory actions to resolve ongoing and potential safety issues for nuclear power plants and other facilities regulated by the NRC.
Directs research activities and programs to reduce uncertainties in areas of potentially high safety or security risk or significance.
Develops the technical basis for risk-informed, performance-based regulations in all areas regulated by the NRC.
Leads the agency's initiative for collaborative research with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other Federal agencies, the domestic nuclear industry, U.S. universities, and international partners.
Leads the agency’s Future Focused Research program and implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan.
Coordinates research activities outside the agency, including appointment of RES staff to domestic and international committees and conferences.
Maintains technical capability to develop information for resolution of nuclear safety and security issues and provides technical support and consultation to the Program Offices in the specialized disciplines involved in these issues.
Provides independent analysis of operational data and assessment of operational experience through the review, analysis, and evaluation of the safety performance of facilities licensed by the NRC. Collects and analyzes operational data; assesses trends in performance from this data; evaluates operating experience to provide insights into and improve the understanding of the risk significance of events, precursors and trends; and, produces and disseminates periodic performance indicator and Accident Sequence Precursor (ASP) Reports.
Provides administrative and technical support for the Committee to Review Generic Requirements (CRGR).
Implements corporate management and risk strategies consistent with the agency’s Strategic Plan.
Develops and implements recruitment, development and retention strategies to achieve a high-quality diverse workforce with the skills needed to accomplish program goals and objectives. Identifies critical skill and training needs of the organization and identifies and implements human capital strategies to close critical skill gaps. Staff recruitment, development and retention strategies promote workforce diversity and diversity management.
Requests and utilizes financial resources effectively and efficiently to accomplish agency mission and goals.
Ensures that staff performance is managed effectively and performance plans identify key performance priorities and appraisal results indicate meaningful distinctions are made in staff performance assessments.
Assigns and directs work within the organization, evaluating staff and organizational effectiveness in accomplishing assigned tasks, and trouble-shooting problems that arise in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization. Develops and implements more efficient and streamlined methods and procedures to accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization.
RequirementsConditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship Required
Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.
This is a Drug Testing position.
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
QualificationsYou must have substantial supervisory or leadership experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully carry out the roles and responsibilities described above, typically evidenced by experience in progressively more responsible supervisory or leadership positions. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed below. Applicants who do not meet or do not demonstrate possession of the ECQs and PTQs in their application will be eliminated from further consideration. Abbreviated responses to the ECQs and PTQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. ECQs and PTQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the ECQs or PTQs unanswered.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
Applicants must submit online written statements (narrative or bullet format acceptable) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately and are required to respond to all ECQs. Note: Current career SES members, former career SES members eligible for reinstatement, and SES Candidate Development graduates (with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Review Board (QRB) certification) are encouraged, but not required, to address the ECQs to be considered. Use the following approach to describe your accomplishments:
Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model
Use one to two examples of relevant experience for each ECQ. The number of examples is not as important as ensuring that your experience matches the ECQ criteria.
Challenge -
Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context -
Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
Action -
Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
Result -
Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action-oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments (e.g., Led the development and implementation of….) and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.). Abbreviated responses to the ECQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. ECQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the ECQs unanswered.
You must provide the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of responsible individuals who can verify the information provided for each ECQ.
Additional information on the ECQs is available at
http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp . Example ECQ statements are available at
http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf .
Executive Core Qualifications:
ECQ 1
- Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2
- Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
ECQ 3
- Results Driven: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4
- Business Acumen: The ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management
ECQ 5
- Building Coalitions: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs)
All applicants must submit online written statements (narrative or bullet format acceptable) of accomplishments that would satisfy the following PTQs. You must address each PTQ separately. Abbreviated responses to the PTQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. PTQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the PTQs unanswered.
PTQ 1
- Broad knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering disciplines and their relationship to specific technological issues, problems and applications associated with nuclear facilities and nuclear materials.
PTQ 2
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and evaluate research activities and make sound technical judgments on the relative merit and feasibility of competing research proposals; and manage a comprehensive research program relevant to current and new applications of nuclear technologies.
PTQ 3
- Broad knowledge and understanding of national nuclear policy, the regulatory program and process, and the regulated industry, including understanding of current technical and security issues and their implications.
EducationGeneral Engineering Series, 801:
Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience
- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.
General Physical Science Series, 1301:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience
- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional informationThe duty location of this position is Rockville, Maryland. In general, executive employees are expected to be in the office at least 6 days per pay period. Telework schedules are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy.
When NRC determines that, in the absence of such an incentive, it will be difficult to fill the position with a suitable candidate, NRC may offer a relocation incentive to a current Federal employee who is required to geographically move.
Veteran’s Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service
Salary for Senior Executive Service positions vary depending on qualifications and the responsibilities of the position
Selected candidate will be subject to a one-year probationary period in the Senior Executive Service unless required probationary period has been served
This position is subject to Public Financial Disclosure Reporting requirements and NRC prohibited securities ownership restrictions. Selected candidate is required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) within 30 days after appointment
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Disability Program Coordinator at (301) 287-0712. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Selected candidate will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a section 145(b) waiver under the Atomic Energy Act. To be eligible for a 145 (b) waiver you need favorable education verification, and reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a waiver is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.
The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. The individual selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.
How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the qualifications for this position. Your application will be evaluated by a rating/ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in an interview and undergo reference checks. The NRC Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations to the selecting official and appointing authority.
Unless you have been already certified by an OPM QRB in the past, your ECQs must be certified by a QRB before appointment can occur.
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Coordinates research activities with the Program Offices, as appropriate. Coordinates the development of consensus and voluntary standards for agency use, including appointment of RES staff to committees.
Based on research results and experience gained, recommends regulatory actions to resolve ongoing and potential safety issues for nuclear power plants and other facilities regulated by the NRC.
Directs research activities and programs to reduce uncertainties in areas of potentially high safety or security risk or significance.
Develops the technical basis for risk-informed, performance-based regulations in all areas regulated by the NRC.
Leads the agency's initiative for collaborative research with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other Federal agencies, the domestic nuclear industry, U.S. universities, and international partners.
Leads the agency’s Future Focused Research program and implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan.
Coordinates research activities outside the agency, including appointment of RES staff to domestic and international committees and conferences.
Maintains technical capability to develop information for resolution of nuclear safety and security issues and provides technical support and consultation to the Program Offices in the specialized disciplines involved in these issues.
Provides independent analysis of operational data and assessment of operational experience through the review, analysis, and evaluation of the safety performance of facilities licensed by the NRC. Collects and analyzes operational data; assesses trends in performance from this data; evaluates operating experience to provide insights into and improve the understanding of the risk significance of events, precursors and trends; and, produces and disseminates periodic performance indicator and Accident Sequence Precursor (ASP) Reports.
Provides administrative and technical support for the Committee to Review Generic Requirements (CRGR).
Implements corporate management and risk strategies consistent with the agency’s Strategic Plan.
Develops and implements recruitment, development and retention strategies to achieve a high-quality diverse workforce with the skills needed to accomplish program goals and objectives. Identifies critical skill and training needs of the organization and identifies and implements human capital strategies to close critical skill gaps. Staff recruitment, development and retention strategies promote workforce diversity and diversity management.
Requests and utilizes financial resources effectively and efficiently to accomplish agency mission and goals.
Ensures that staff performance is managed effectively and performance plans identify key performance priorities and appraisal results indicate meaningful distinctions are made in staff performance assessments.
Assigns and directs work within the organization, evaluating staff and organizational effectiveness in accomplishing assigned tasks, and trouble-shooting problems that arise in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization. Develops and implements more efficient and streamlined methods and procedures to accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization.
RequirementsConditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship Required
Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.
This is a Drug Testing position.
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
QualificationsYou must have substantial supervisory or leadership experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully carry out the roles and responsibilities described above, typically evidenced by experience in progressively more responsible supervisory or leadership positions. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed below. Applicants who do not meet or do not demonstrate possession of the ECQs and PTQs in their application will be eliminated from further consideration. Abbreviated responses to the ECQs and PTQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. ECQs and PTQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the ECQs or PTQs unanswered.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
Applicants must submit online written statements (narrative or bullet format acceptable) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately and are required to respond to all ECQs. Note: Current career SES members, former career SES members eligible for reinstatement, and SES Candidate Development graduates (with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Review Board (QRB) certification) are encouraged, but not required, to address the ECQs to be considered. Use the following approach to describe your accomplishments:
Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model
Use one to two examples of relevant experience for each ECQ. The number of examples is not as important as ensuring that your experience matches the ECQ criteria.
Challenge -
Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context -
Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
Action -
Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
Result -
Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action-oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments (e.g., Led the development and implementation of….) and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.). Abbreviated responses to the ECQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. ECQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the ECQs unanswered.
You must provide the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of responsible individuals who can verify the information provided for each ECQ.
Additional information on the ECQs is available at
http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp . Example ECQ statements are available at
http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf .
Executive Core Qualifications:
ECQ 1
- Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2
- Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
ECQ 3
- Results Driven: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4
- Business Acumen: The ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management
ECQ 5
- Building Coalitions: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs)
All applicants must submit online written statements (narrative or bullet format acceptable) of accomplishments that would satisfy the following PTQs. You must address each PTQ separately. Abbreviated responses to the PTQs, such as "significant experience" or "see resume" do not provide enough information and will not be considered. PTQs must be submitted in the space provided. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the PTQs unanswered.
PTQ 1
- Broad knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering disciplines and their relationship to specific technological issues, problems and applications associated with nuclear facilities and nuclear materials.
PTQ 2
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and evaluate research activities and make sound technical judgments on the relative merit and feasibility of competing research proposals; and manage a comprehensive research program relevant to current and new applications of nuclear technologies.
PTQ 3
- Broad knowledge and understanding of national nuclear policy, the regulatory program and process, and the regulated industry, including understanding of current technical and security issues and their implications.
EducationGeneral Engineering Series, 801:
Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience
- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.
General Physical Science Series, 1301:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience
- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional informationThe duty location of this position is Rockville, Maryland. In general, executive employees are expected to be in the office at least 6 days per pay period. Telework schedules are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy.
When NRC determines that, in the absence of such an incentive, it will be difficult to fill the position with a suitable candidate, NRC may offer a relocation incentive to a current Federal employee who is required to geographically move.
Veteran’s Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service
Salary for Senior Executive Service positions vary depending on qualifications and the responsibilities of the position
Selected candidate will be subject to a one-year probationary period in the Senior Executive Service unless required probationary period has been served
This position is subject to Public Financial Disclosure Reporting requirements and NRC prohibited securities ownership restrictions. Selected candidate is required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) within 30 days after appointment
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Disability Program Coordinator at (301) 287-0712. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Selected candidate will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a section 145(b) waiver under the Atomic Energy Act. To be eligible for a 145 (b) waiver you need favorable education verification, and reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a waiver is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.
The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. The individual selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.
How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the qualifications for this position. Your application will be evaluated by a rating/ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in an interview and undergo reference checks. The NRC Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations to the selecting official and appointing authority.
Unless you have been already certified by an OPM QRB in the past, your ECQs must be certified by a QRB before appointment can occur.
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