Geophysicist

Duties

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

Education

Basic Requirements:

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

Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

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

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.