Agency Allegation Advisor Job in Rockville, MD

Vacancy No. OE-2024-0008 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $196,757.00 to $204,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/4/2024 Close Date 11/1/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rockville, MD


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

Organization Location: Office of Enforcement

Duty Station: Rockville, Maryland

Supervisor: David Pelton

This position is Non-Bargaining Unit.

This position is subject to Public Financial Disclosure Reporting Requirements.

This position is subject to Subject to the Security Ownership Restrictions. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current NRC employees on a permanent appointment or NRC competitive TERM appointment; Permanent Federal employees who have completed a probationary period and reinstatement eligible; Applicants under the Schedule A Appointment Authority; and Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the Armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service may apply.

Duties

As the Office of Enforcement's Agency Allegation Advisor, you will provide authoritative policy and program advice and assistance to the Executive Director for Operations (EDO), Program Office Directors, and Regional Administrators as a Senior Level Advisor, on a broad variety of allegation matters related to nuclear reactor and materials facilities. You will serve as the agency's expert on allegation policy and coordinate all agency level allegation issues.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Serves as the agency expert on allegations and safety conscious work environment (SCWE). Is responsible for the planning, design, maintenance, implementation, and oversight of the allegation program. Advises senior management on highly sensitive and safety-related allegation issues. Helps develop strategies for dealing with licensees having significant retaliation allegation history.
  2. Provides authoritative consultation, guidance, assistance, and recommendations to office management and staff, other NRC offices, and Commission members and their staffs on allegation-related matters, as well as their relationship to the SCWE and Safety Culture agency policies. Applies appropriate controls in coordination of matters frequently of a sensitive nature. Performs independent studies of or leads and directs teams charged with resolving significant and complex issues associated with allegations.
  3. Independently manages the resolution of allegation issues that involve coordination with agency groups. Develops changes to the program database and software for tracking and monitoring allegations.
  4. Independently authors or significantly contributes expertise to the development of agency policies and regulations in the specialty area. Consults with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) regarding compatibility of policy and program initiatives with statutory obligations, and interacts at  policy level with officials of central management agencies on  NRC authorities and flexibilities for the  allegation program.
  5. Revises, manages, monitors and assesses the implementation of the agency allegation program codified in Management Directive (MD) 8.8, including review of the scope and depth of the staff assessments to ensure that safety and employee retaliation issues are adequately resolved. Develops and maintains high level policy guidance on handling and review of allegations. Defines responsibilities and achieves inter-office consistency on Allegation Review Board, allegation response times, licensee requests for information (RFI), confidentiality policy, and other documentation.
  6. Conducts periodic audits of regional and headquarters offices to ensure consistent implementation of MD 8.8. Provides periodic input on each Office Allegation Coordinator and regional/program office performance in handling allegations. Provides an annual report that assesses trends in allegations.
  7. Serves as the point of focus for allegation related issues that involve multiple offices or regions. Plans, hosts, and oversees periodic counterpart meetings and conference calls. Identifies opportunities and requirements for NRC studies and research on allegation related issues.
  8. Represents the Office/Commission at government, academic, and industry conferences, seminars and meetings. Serves as central point of contact for public, alleger groups, and the media.
  9. Serves as an in-house consultant to managers, support staffs,  other entities, and individuals for all problems or questions relevant to the specialty discipline.
  10. Develops and maintains guidance for tracking and review of Department of Labor (DOL) investigations, hearings, and Administrative Review Board decisions, and maintains a liaison with the DOL. In coordination with OGC, handle requests for agency witnesses or other input to DOL proceedings. Assists offices in developing strategies to deal with licensees having significant allegation histories or allegations of chilled work environments.
  11. Reviews NRC and industry policy and technical issuances in allegation management and identifies those with potential significant impact . Independently consults with senior agency management and staff regarding issues identified, develops authoritative analyses and recommendations, and counsels senior agency management regarding needed changes in activities, priorities, or resource allocations.  Identifies and leads innovative enhancements to the program.
  12. Serves as regional and program office trainer and mentor for staff for allegation policy, procedures, and guidance, develops, conducts, and/or supervises periodic training on allegation handling and sensitivity. Maintains his/her expertise in allegations at a high level.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • This is a drug testing position
  • Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

If you are a NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available along with a current SF50 Personnel Action showing your grade, step, pay and official title.

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. The SF50 must show your current grade, step, pay and official title.

Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active-Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)  You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement.  You have two choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1.  Use the "USAJoBs" feature to download documents from your USAJOBs portfolio; or
2.  use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer.  The following types of documents can be uploaded:  .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must have at least 7 to 10 years of specialized experience. (1) Expert knowledge and skills for this position go beyond the standard normally associated with a senior line position. Must have knowledge of nuclear safety and safety culture attributes which encourage employee participation in effective problem identification and resolution and support a respectful work environment and healthy questioning attitude. (2) Expert knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, and methods of an established professional or administrative discipline and their relationship to programs and work environments which encourage employee participation in effective problem identification and resolution. (3) Ability to recognize and identify industry-wide significant safety issues from information contained in allegations. Knowledge is not limited to agency activities but includes activities within the national and international community. Incumbent is expected to cultivate ties to other U S. government agencies and the nuclear national and international community in the matter of allegations. (4) Broad and in-depth knowledge of computer software used for management and analysis of data should be demonstrated. (5) Demonstrated ability to apply the above knowledge and experience in the management of the formulation of sound technical judgments on the adequacy of the resolution of safety issues for design and proposed systems, components, and equipment to ensure safe nuclear facility operation under normal conditions and safe plant shutdown under transient or accident conditions to minimize or eliminate any adverse impact upon public health and safety and the environment. (6) Advanced skills in oral and written communications sufficient to effectively convey complex recommendations to management and to discuss varied and complex policy issues with representatives of other NRC offices and divisions, other government agencies, national laboratories, industrial representatives, and members of the public. (7) Demonstrated ability to establish effective work relationships with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the parent organization.

A detailed description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate; including types and complexity of projects or work assignments you have undertaken and your specific role (e.g., lead, contributor, etc.) that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the area, should be addressed in your resume and additional space provided for supplemental response.

The Ideal Candidate for this position will have: 

  1. Demonstrated in depth knowledge in the area of nuclear safety and the conditions of licensee work environment which encourages employee participation in effective problem identification and resolution. Ability to recognize and identify significant safety issues and trends contained in allegations.

(EXAMPLE:  Describe specific experience defining, developing, and/or implementing a nuclear safety corrective action, allegation, or employee concern resolution program. What was your role? Describe the scope and complexity of the program(s) and the size of the organization(s) involved. Describe your experience analyzing effectiveness of existing programs and policies, and identifying, developing, and establishing requirements for a new program to ensure application of best practices. Describe your experience providing expert advice and assistance to senior management officials in the areas of nuclear safety and work environment.)

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices in the field of nuclear application, as evidenced by work experience within the agency or its regulated communities. Ability to independently manage internal and external interactions associated with the resolution of allegations relating to nuclear safety, discrimination against individuals for raising safety concerns, and chilled work environments.

(EXAMPLE: Describe your specific work experience, education, training and developmental assignments that demonstrate your knowledge and ability to interact with internal and external organizations in resolving technical and/or policy issues as associated with nuclear safety and work environment related issues. Describe the scope and complexity of the topics involved and your specific role (i.e., lead, contributor, etc.). Provide specific examples and accomplishments.)

  1. Demonstrated ability to establish program goals; develop associated implementation plans, evaluation methods, and communication tools; and effectively conduct resource planning and program management functions.  Demonstrated ability to lead changes and improvements through successful approaches to problem solving, conflict resolution, and use of data and information, in coordination with various stakeholders.

(EXAMPLE: Describe your specific work experience(s) that demonstrate(s) your ability to establish program goals and develop implementation plans, identify resource needs, and conduct methods to measure the success of plans in achieving the desired goals.  Describe how you communicated the plans, resource needs, and performance measure to senior management, staff, and external organizations.  In addition, provide examples which required you to understand, evaluate, and negotiate change and improvement efforts. For each example, describe the significance or complexity of the issue, the role you played, e.g., lead, principal contributor, team member, etc., and the results or outcomes of your actions. Provide specific examples and accomplishments)

  1. Demonstrated advanced oral and written communication skills, and experience effectively conveying and presenting complex and detailed information of a technical and/or policy nature to colleagues, peers, senior management officials, and representatives of other institutions, agencies, or organizations.

(Describe the kinds of oral presentations or briefings you have made, and the audience levels and groups involved.  Describe the nature, scope and complexity of the issues and topics involved. Describe your most difficult or challenging writing assignments.  Describe your contributions to reports, papers, or other written products. Describe your experience participating on panels or at professional meetings and conferences.  Describe your experience in mentoring and developing the technical skills of junior personnel. Provide specific examples and accomplishments which describe the impact you have had as a result of your communication skills.)

  1. Demonstrated ability to function as an organization representative and liaison on substantive technical and policy issues, to establish effective work relationships with individuals at all levels, internally and externally to the organization, and to achieve cooperation and consensus among parties engaged in joint or parallel efforts.

(Describe the various types and levels of individuals you routinely interact with and for what purposes. Describe your experience representing your organization before a variety of individuals and your success in achieving organizational goals and objectives. Describe your experience interacting with external entities, both government and non-governmental (e.g., industry, intervener) organizations. Describe your accomplishments in identifying the internal and external policies that impact the work of the organization and developing and implementing successful approaches to discuss and resolve sensitive or adversarial situations/issues. Provide specific examples of developing professional networks with other organizations and situations which required you to use tact, diplomacy and negotiation skills to achieve cooperation and develop consensus, and your accomplishments in building coalitions and effective work relationships. Describe any experience you have at the international level.)

Additional information

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Disability Program Coordinator at (301) 415-2294.. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Selection for this position will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, membership, or non membership in an employee organization, personal favoritism or other non- merit factors. Selectees 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 145 (b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145 (b) waiver you need favorable education verification, and reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are 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 duty location of this position is Rockville, Maryland. In general, employees are expected to be in the office 4 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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Long Term Care Insurance; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k)  (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 10 paid holidays per year; transit benefits.  This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.  https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. If you meet the minimum requirements your application will be referred to a rating official or panel. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and vacancy responses to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. Rating panel recommendations will be forwarded to the NRC's Executive Resources Board Staffing and Development Committee who will review and endorse the panel recommendations. If you are among the best qualified candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the selecting official.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

If you are an NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. All applicants are encouraged to submit your most recent Rating of Record.

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. Please submit a pay action SF 50 that shows your grade, salary, title, and federal status.   

Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active-Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)  You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement.  You have two choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1.  Use the "USAJoBs" feature to download documents from your USAJOBs portfolio; or
2.  use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer.  The following types of documents can be uploaded:  .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position.  

Please read the entire announcement. Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.

Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.

To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process

Agency contact information

Lindsey Redden
Phone
301-287-0519
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
lindsey.redden@nrc.gov
Address
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Human Resources
Attn: M/S T2-A77M
Washington, District of Columbia 20852
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBS and selecting “Applicant” Status


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.