Technical Director Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DNFSB-25-EXE-12717039AMM Department Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Salary $150,160.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/26/2025 Close Date 4/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) in the Office of the Technical Director.

The incumbent will be responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, communicating, and controlling the operations of the DNFSB's scientific and technical staff and directly participate in executive direction of agency efforts, including policy determination, policy making, and resource management and provide expert technical assistance to the Executive Director and the Board.

Duties

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Services (SES), each applicant must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of executive-level management capabilities that are directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications listed below.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing employees through subordinate supervisors and have experience hiring, developing, and evaluating employees. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the federal service or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirements in addition to all executive and technical qualification factors will automatically disqualify an applicant.

DUTIES:

  • Directs and manages the efforts of professional engineers responsible for reviewing and evaluating the technical adequacy of complex processes and systems of the Department of Energy's (DOE) defense nuclear facilities.
  • Interacts closely with the Board members, Executive Director of Operations, General Manager, and the General Counsel to resolve and recommend agency resolution of policy and programmatic issues of the highest level.
  • Maintains systems to monitor, control and evaluate the technical work managed. Ensures subordinate supervisors identify and correct problems, improve operations, and meet organizational deadlines.
  • Communicates agency organizational goals and objectives and develops staff through personal leadership, assignments, and training.
  • Interacts with DOE officials and contractors, scientific groups and committees, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, other Federal agencies, and state and local governments to assist the Board in assessing DOE activities and in developing Board analysis, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy.
  • Reviews DOE's implementation plans for compliance with Board recommendations. Analyzes and assesses the adequacy of DOE's systems engineering approach to the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of defense nuclear facilities. Identifies and proposes DOE facilities, activities and programs for Board review that would be of major importance to the Board and the nation and have the potential for significantly affecting the National Security of the country.
  • Reviews work products of colleagues, consultants, contractors, and others. Serves as primary or secondary author of DNFSB technical issue papers.
  • Evaluates performance. Recommends promotions, assignments, awards, and training. Advises and counsels employees on work-related issues, complaints, and the need for training. Executes workforce management responsibilities in accordance with merit system principles, including in hiring practices, training, employee development and utilization of employee skills. Takes action
    to adhere to the official EEO policy of the DNFSB.

Applicants who meet the mandatory executive and technical qualifications will be evaluated by a panel of SES members to determine the degree to which they possess each of the listed qualifications. This evaluation will determine which applicants are best qualified. Each candidate's background including experience, education, awards, self-development, and training will be reviewed. This information will be obtained from the application package, including the required narrative statements for the technical and Executive Core Qualifications described in this vacancy.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation.
  • Must pass a drug screening.
  • Direct Deposit of pay is required.
  • Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
  • Submit Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)-no more than 10 pages, and a narrative addressing any mandatory technical qualifications (TQs).
  • Background and security investigation for Secret or Top Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

In order to be qualified for this position, you must meet the basic requirement AND minimum qualification requirement as noted below:

Basic Requirement:

Engineering Series, 0801
A. A bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering. 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

B. 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 of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. (You must submit licensure or registration for confirmation under this provision.)

2. Written Test -- You must submit evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico under this provision.

3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.

4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

OR

Physical Scientist Series, 1301
A. A bachelor's or higher degree in 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

B. 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.

Note - You must provide legible transcripts showing completed coursework and degree(s) awarded as a verification of your education.

In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification requirements, applicants must also have the following specialized experience:

Must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-15) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties the position. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position includes: The ideal candidate would have up-to-date knowledge of the work of Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) community, including the mission, strategic goals, and objectives of each; trends in the federal oversight community; changes in relevant laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; and other factors that have an impact upon the mission of the Defense Nuclear community. Must also demonstrate skill in collecting information that is sufficient to address an issue, problem, or recommendation. In addition, the incumbent must have the ability to analyze and integrate information to identify and evaluate alternative solutions to problems and issues; make well-supported and timely decisions or recommendations regarding balancing costs, risks, and benefits; demonstrate effective use of technology to ensure that work processes are efficient; and exhibit the initiative to identify and understand all issues relevant to assignments.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

If your resume does not include these basic qualifications, then you will not be considered further for this position and will not be determined as minimally qualified.

Education

If qualifying based on EDUCATION you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Only education from institutions which are accredited or preaccredited/candidate for accreditation may be used to meet education requirements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's)- *Required Documentation*The Office of Personnel Management has identified five executive core qualifications (ECQs). The ECQs define the competencies needed to build a federal corporate culture that drives for results, serves customers, and builds successful teams and coalitions within and outside the organization. The ECQs are required for entry to the Senior Executive Service and are used by many departments and agencies in selection, performance management, and leadership development for management and executive positions. The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential-not technical expertise.

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: You must have demonstrated an 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.

  • Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: You must demonstrate 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.
  • Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves 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.
  • Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This ECQ involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
  • Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This ECQ involves 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.
  • Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating
FUNDAMENTAL COMPETENCIES: The following competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Written Communication, Continual Learning, Public Service Motivation

Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)- *Required Documentation*MTQs are designed to assess an applicants experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Each MTQ narrative response must 1.) not exceed two pages per narrative statement; 2.) include specific examples of your experience, education, and/or accomplishments; and 3.) address specific challenges, contexts, actions, and results.
  1. Demonstrated experience in the principles and practices of technical management, requirements for technical qualifications, and the administration of senior technical and professional personnel.
  2. Demonstrated experience in reviewing and evaluating engineering issues of significantly complex scope and effect related to the safety of processes and systems at nuclear facilities.
  3. Demonstrated experience in balancing and mediating competing technical demands, expectations, and perspectives among senior officials, technical staffs, and external entities.
Challenge-Context-Action-Result(s) (CCAR) Model.CCAR Model is outline below. When addressing the ECQs and MTQs, you are strongly recommended to use the CCAR Model. Each ECQ or MTQ statement should include more than one example of relevant experience.
  • Challenge: Describe a specific problem or goal.
  • Context: Talk about the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to tackle 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 the results of your actions. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.

Additional information

Appointment Authorities:
For more information on appointment authority eligibility requirements:


Telework Suitability:
The duties of this position are suitable for occasional telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval and if they meet the eligibility criterion in the 2010 Telework Act.

Stipulations of Employment:
Selection may require completion of a 1-year SES probationary period.

This position is subject to a negative drug test prior to entrance on duty, and random drug testing while you occupy the position.

If selected, you will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure (OGE-278).

Work Schedule:
This position allows for a flexible work schedule.

Miscellaneous:
DNFSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

Relocation expenses may be covered and are dependent on management approval.

Veterans' Preference does not apply to SES positions per 5 USC 2108(3).

Current of former Senior Executive Service members must submit documentation of their SES status and a narrative statement addressing only the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career SES appointment or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and have been certified by OPM, you must also submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Graduates of approved SES Candidate Development Programs must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility and a narrative statement addressing only the technical qualifications. Your examples should be clear and concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of the programs managed, program accomplishments, including results of your actions, policy initiatives, and level of contacts. Each Technical Qualification and each ECQ, if required, must be addressed separately and include experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities related to each. For assistance in preparing your narratives, refer to the Guide to Senior Executive Qualifications at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf Narrative statements may not exceed 2 pages for each individual Technical and each individual ECQ. If you exceed these limits, you will not be considered.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Effective January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

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.

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.

We will conduct an initial qualifications evaluation of all the applicants who have provided the required documentation. Minimally qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by a SES Rating Panel to determined the Best Qualified applicants. The best qualified applicants will be referred to the Selecting Official for further consideration and possible panel interview. You will be notified of the outcome after completion of the selection process. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position and failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume will result in a "not qualified" determination.

Upon receipt of your completed application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements. Our determination will be based on your separate narrative statement responses to the Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications using the required CCAR Model in addition to the information stated in your resume. If you are among the best qualified applicants, then your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Interviews are exclusively at the discretion of the Selecting Official.

Your responses to the ECQs and MTQs will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of actions taken.

You are required to submit separate narrative statements for each ECQ and MTQ to receive consideration for this position. Please see the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section for complete details regarding the page limitation and formatting requirement.

FINAL CERTIFICATION: If you are selected, then you must be certified by the Office of Personnel Management's Qualifications Review Board before you are appointed to the position. You are exempted from this requirement if you are a:

  • current career SES member;
  • former career SES member with reinstatement eligibility; or
  • SES Candidate Development graduate and have already been certified by OPM.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your Resume listing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment mm/yy and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted, only the most current resume will be reviewed for qualifications.
  2. Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)- A separate narrative statement addressing each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's) - experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each. Each ECQ and each technical qualification must be addressed separately. The narrative addressing ECQ's must follow the format provided at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf (Adobe Acrobat required).The submission of your entire ECQ package may not exceed 10 pages. It is highly recommended that you use Times New Roman font, 12 point, double spaced. Applicants that exceed the page limitation or fail to provide narrative statement responses to each ECQ separately will not be deemed qualified.
  3. Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs)-A narrative statement addressing each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ's) - experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each qualification requirement. You must title each MTQ separately to ensure each MTQ is appropriately addressed. Failure to title and address each MTQ separately will result in your disqualification. Narrative statements must not exceed 2 pages for each individual technical qualification(s). It is highly recommended that you use Times New Roman font, 12 point, double spaced. Applicants that exceed the page limitation or fail to provide narrative statement responses to each MTQ separately will not be deemed qualified.
  4. SF-50 or DD-214
    1. Current/Former Career/Career-Conditional Eligible: Your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing that you are/were in the competitive service, as well as the highest grade (or promotion potential) held, on a permanent basis
    2. Non competitive Applicants: If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, proof of SES noncompetitive eligibility must be submitted:
      1. SF-50 showing your status as a:
        • current Career SES appointee,
        • former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or
        • current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES; OR
        • A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP). This applies only if your ECQs have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board through the SES CDP.
        • You are not required to submit a narrative statement addressing the ECQs, but are encouraged to do so.
    3. Current of Former Political Appointees:
      • Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
        • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
        • Agency; and,
        • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
        • Position title
  5. Other supporting documents:
    1. College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
    2. Non-competitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
    3. Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
    4. Cover Letter, optional
    5. College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • Read the Eligibility questions carefully. The questions address if you are eligible to apply to this JOA. Your responses will affect your consideration for the position. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. You will only be considered under the options you have selected. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility questions, you will not be considered for this position.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • You may preview the Assessment Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12717039
If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you may request an alternate application method from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon EST on the closing date of the announcement.

Agency contact information

Tyler Olson
Address
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
625 Indiana Ave NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20004
US

Next steps

For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.


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


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