Background

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proud to be ranked among the best places to work for compensation, work-life balance, and performance for mid-sized agencies in the Federal Government. We've earned our top ratings by creating a work environment rich in opportunity, diversity, leadership training, teamwork, and work life balance. Help guide our nation into the next generation of nuclear safety! Begin a challenging career with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission where you can be part of a select group of professionals who protect people and the environment with the peaceful use of nuclear materials in medicine, industry, and research.

There are multiple Project Manager GG-14 grade level vacancies that are located in the Office of Nuclear Materials Safety & Safeguards, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental & Financial Support, Reactor Rulemaking & Project Management Branch and Materials Rulemaking and Project Management Branch, NRC Headquarters, Rockville, MD. The exact duty station for this position will be negotiated at the time of selection, as determined by the hiring manager.

Duties

The GG-14 grade level Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, managing, and participating in the development of regulatory initiatives, policies, requirements, guidance, and programs related to nuclear power plant safety/security and protection of the environment. The PM manages projects associated with rulemaking activities for nuclear power plants that involve some complexity and controversial issues.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Identifying and managing all aspects of a rulemaking, from identification of the need for a rule change, through the development of a rule plan and the proposed and final rules.
2. Managing the resolution and closure of petitions for rulemaking submitted pursuant to 10 CFR 2.802.
3. Managing and coordinating the review and evaluation by NRC staff, consultants, contractor personnel and other external stakeholders of comments received on the individual’s project, assuring the resolution of staff conclusion.
4. Resolving inconsistencies and differences of opinion among the staff technical organizations and between the staff and licensees/industry/other stakeholders through knowledge of the technical issues, the applicable NRC requirements and processes, and plant design (where applicable) and resolving administrative issues.
5. Acting as a liaison with NRC management and staff and others on assigned task(s).
6. Participating in and making recommendations with regard to the development of regulations, amendments to regulations, standards, guides, and codes related to the siting, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants by reviewing and commenting on draft documents prepared.
7. Preparing responses to inquiries by members of the public, members of Congress, State and local governmental officials, the Commission, and NRC management regarding assignments and other activities within NMSS purview.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this GG-14 grade level position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as experience that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices in the field of engineering, science and/or nuclear. Experience in the industry of commercial, government or military nuclear power is a plus.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Demonstrate ability to identify and manage all aspects of a rulemaking project, from identification of the need for a rule change, through the development of a rule plan and the proposed and final rules. Demonstrate ability to manage the resolution and closure of petitions for rulemaking submitted pursuant to 10 CFR 2.802.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles, theory, and practices in the field of engineering, science, and/or nuclear (nuclear materials, nuclear facilities, such as, operating reactors, new reactors, advanced reactors, and/or fuel facilities, etc.) to identify, analyze, and develop conclusions regarding assessments of regulatory programs.
3. Ability to use interpersonal skills to interact effectively with peers, management, and representatives of the industry, and to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.
4. Ability to communicate information, ideas and advice in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing, to internal and external stakeholders of Federal agency, corporation, or other large organization.

Education

This opportunity will be filled either as an 0801 (engineering) job or a 1301 (physical science) job.

0801 Series:
1. Degree: To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; 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
1. 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 engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure
2. Written Test

1301 Series:
1. 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
2. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in 1. above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

How to Apply

Visit www.nrc.gov Review the NRC Opportunities page and click on “view a list of current NRC vacancies, please visit USAJobs EXIT.” Find the Project Manager (Open to Everyone) Job Announcement Number NMSS/REFS-2023-0012 and apply on-line by August 22, 2023.

We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position so that you correctly submit all necessary materials and documentation. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.

If you are viewing this opportunity after August 22nd please visit NRC’s website and discover additional opportunities for which you might be interested.