Job Title: Geophysicist
Posted by: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Jan 16, 2023
Location:
Rockville , MD 20852Job Description:
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.
Duties
These positions are located in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR), (DEX), External Hazards Branch (EXHB) AND the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), (DE), Structural, Geotechnical and Seismic Engineering Branch (SGSEB), NRC Headquarters, Rockville, MD.
Provides technical, programmatic, and project support in the area of geophysics/seismology to the agency.
Serves as a Geophysicist/Seismologist with special emphasis in applying geophysical methods to the safety and environmental review of nuclear power plant licensing activities including design certifications, early site permits, combined operating licenses, license renewals, material facilities, spent nuclear fuel transportation and storage licenses, decommissioning reviews, and other licensing actions.
Participates in the safety and environmental review process for siting, licensing, and decommissioning activities for reactor and material facilities and supports nuclear regulatory research activities.
Participates in in development of new regulations and guidance.
Serves as a technical witness at public hearings representing the NRC in the area of geophysics.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG12) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Specialized Experience is defined as demonstrated knowledge of seismicity, seismic hazard assessments, strong ground motion, regional tectonics, geophysics, and their potential application in the evaluation of seismic safety of nuclear facility design and operation.
A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of geophysics/seismology as related to nuclear power plant siting and seismic hazard estimates. Experience includes at least one of the specialized areas reviewed by the branch: seismic source characterization; ground motion models; seismic site response calculations, and probabilistic seismic hazard assessments. (Example: Describe work experience, education, and training which demonstrate your abilities and your knowledge of nuclear facility siting and geophysical applications.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with NRC regulations, regulatory guides, ANS and ASCE guidance, and other industry codes and standards applicable to seismic engineering, particularly as applied to design and operation of critical facility structures and systems. (Example: Describe specific experience, training, and accomplishments which demonstrate your knowledge of industry standards, and NRC rules, regulations and guidance governing design and operation of nuclear reactor systems. Include several examples of such work and describe the complexity of the issue.)
3. Ability to prioritize, plan, schedule, and manage complex technical projects. (Example: Describe specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability prioritize, plan, schedule and manage complex technical projects. Include several specific examples of projects performed and describe the complexity of the work, and your ability to organize and accomplish the work.)
4 Ability to use interpersonal skills to interact effectively with peers, management, and representatives of the industry. Experience with using tact, diplomacy, and negotiation skills to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution. (Example: Describe specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability to effectively interact with peers, management, and representatives of industry. Provide several examples of your ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, peers, and government and industry officials.)
5. Demonstrated ability to present technical information both orally and in writing to resolve technical issues, including writing documents or reports and making presentations at technical meetings, conferences, or symposia, nationally and/or internationally. Work assignments demonstrate ability to lead technical discussions, develop resolution of challenging technical issues, and provide recommendations to management. (Example: Describe specific experience, training, and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate complex technical issues. Describe your ability to prepare written documents such as safety evaluations, significant event briefings, or input to inspection related reports. Provide several specific examples of both written and oral communication and describe the audience, the nature and complexity of the issue, and the outcome of such communication.)
Education
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
or
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, 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 Geophysicist Announcement Number ALL OFC-2023-0052 and apply on-line by February 3, 2023. If you are viewing this opportunity after February 3rd please visit NRC’s website and discover additional opportunities for which you might be interested.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
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About U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency that was established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and began operations in 1975. NRC’s mission is to license and regulate the Nation’s civilian use of radioactive materials to provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety and to promote the common defense and security and to protect the environment. In carrying out its mission it exercises the following vision: Demonstrate the Principles of Good Regulation (independence, openness, efficiency, clarity, and reliability) in performing our mission. NRC’s scope of responsibility includes: the regulation of commercial nuclear power plants, research and test reactors, nuclear fuel cycle facilities, medical, academic, and industrial uses of radioactive materials; the decommissioning of these facilities and sites; and, the transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and wastes. NRC issues licenses for civilian uses of radioactive materials, oversees the licensees, and certifies standard nuclear reactor designs and spent fuel storage casks and transportation packages. It also licenses the import and export of radioactive materials; participates in international nuclear activities, including multilateral and bilateral safety and security activities; and works closely with its international counterparts to enhance nuclear safety and security worldwide. To accomplish its overall mission NRC has identified two Strategic Goals—To ensure the safe and secure use of radioactive materials. We need a wide variety of administrative and technical staff to accomplish our objectives. We hire engineers, scientists, security specialists, information technology professionals, financial analysts, and a range of other occupations. We’re constantly looking for outstanding individuals at all levels – recent grads, mid-career professionals, and senior leaders.