Operations Engineer Job in Atlanta, GA

Vacancy No. R-II/DORS-2025-0002 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $109,278.00 to $142,065.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/22/2024 Close Date 12/16/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Atlanta, GA


Summary

This position is located in the Division of Operating Reactor Safety, Operations Branch, in Region II, Atlanta, GA.

The supervisor is Matt Endress, Branch Chief.

This position is in the Bargaining Unit with the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 208. 

This position requires up to 40% travel.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position is not subject to the security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

Duties

The successful candidate will perform the full range of Operations Engineer duties. Such duties include but are not limited to:

1. Serves as a region-based inspector and examiner to plan, conduct, report, and coordinate findings associated with inspections of light-water reactors, in accordance with the NRC Inspection Manual.


2. Develops, prepares and administers examinations to applicants for operators and senior operators licenses for nuclear reactors. Conducts initial examinations of licensed reactor operators.


3. Evaluates exam results and recommends operator license issuance or denial. Evaluates license denial issues of other examiners during applicant appeals and hearings.


4. Reviews operator initial and renewal license actions, including applications, amendments and waiver requests. Compares these actions against regulations and guidance uses Part 55 docket files to support these reviews and recommends licensing actions to supervision.


5. Identifies possible problems with established NRC operator license and exam guidance and proposes resolutions to regional and headquarters management through Reports on Interaction (ROIs).

Requirements

Conditions 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.

Selectees are required to serve a trial period to assess their overall fitness and qualifications for continued employment. The trial period for new employees is two years. New employees who are preference eligible veterans serve a one-year trial period.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level, GG-12, in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Generally, to meet this level of experience, you would need 3-5 years of post-degree specialized experience.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as work experience applying any of a variety of relevant professional engineering disciplines (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, structural, chemical) in the industry of commercial or military nuclear power.  Qualification as a licensed operator, experience in naval nuclear operations, or shipyard operations is preferred.  Such experience must have provided you with the full range of knowledge, skills and abilities identified for what is considered an “Ideal Candidate” for this position.

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 NRC encourages applicants to provide extensive job experience details in your resume.  Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate the following:

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of reactor engineering.  (Describe specific education, training and experience in a position; i.e., licensed operations, certified operator, licensed operator trainer, which has provided you with knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices in reactor engineering.  Describe how you have applied this knowledge and for what purposes.  Recency of experience will be considered for this rating factor.)
  2. Knowledge of nuclear power plant systems, procedures and integrated facility operations based on reactor operation or inspection experience at operating reactor facilities.  (Describe specific education, training and experience which has provided you with the knowledge and understanding of the areas listed above.  Describe how you have applied this knowledge and for what purposes.  Recency of experience will be considered for this rating factor.)
  3. Demonstrated ability to apply regulations, regulatory guides and industry standards, reactor and operator licensing guidelines and procedures, and reactor operation, inspection and assessment techniques.  (Describe specific experience, education, training, and accomplishments demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in reactor facility and licensed operator regulations.  Examples could include specific training and/or experience as a senior reactor operator; licensed operator instructor; NRC senior resident inspector, resident inspector or operator examiner, etc.)
  4. Demonstrated ability to present technical information both orally and in writing.  (Describe the kinds of presentations you have made, to whom and for what purpose.  Describe the type of original writing you routinely perform, and the most difficult writing assignments you have had.  Describe the various levels of individuals with whom you interact, and for what purposes.  What techniques do you use to develop effective working relationships and to negotiate?)

Education

To qualify for these positions, you must meet BOTH basic education/professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering positions at all grade levels AND the specialized experience requirements outlined above no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.  

Candidates for Federal Government professional engineering positions must meet certain basic professional knowledge requirements. Generally these knowledge requirements are met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, metallurgical, materials, nuclear, structural, chemical, electrical) from a school of engineering with at least one professional engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). However, if you do not possess such a professional engineering degree, you may still satisfy the professional knowledge requirements if you have current Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in one of the relevant disciplines from any U.S. State or Territory; or if you successfully passed an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) written examination administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners; or if you have either a related professional degree or at least 60 semester hours of specified engineering-related college courses COMBINED WITH at least a year of professional engineering work experience performed under professional engineer supervision and guidance.

Note: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above).

More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering jobs are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following website:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

Note: It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that you meet the basic education and professional knowledge requirements; in the absence of such documentation, you will be rated not qualified. (See the Application Procedures section several paragraphs below for further information.)

Additional information

The duty location of this position is Atlanta, GA. 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 and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Selective Placement Coordinator for assistance with the application or hiring process via Disability.Resource@nrc.gov. Deaf applicants may contact the Disability Program Manager by calling the NRC videophone at 240-428-3217.

Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

Selectee's 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 will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier 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. Individuals 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.

Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.

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; 11 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

Review our 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.  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 among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

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.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply.

To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder.  If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all of the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. 

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or links to social media such as LinkedIn, or other inappropriate material or content (gender, age, race, date of birth, disability, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, etc.). If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.


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.

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.  

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/.

You must include an unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.  If you fail to submit transcripts with your application you will be considered ineligible and will not receive further consideration.


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.

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

Denise Baker
Phone
404-997-4815
TDD
240-428-3217
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
denise.baker@nrc.gov
Address
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Region II
245 Peachtree Center Avenue Suite 1200
ATTN: Human Resources Staff
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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 “Application Status.”


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


© 2006-2024, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements