Reactor Technology Branch Chief
About This Position
This position is located in Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), Human Resources Learning and Development (HRLD), Reactor Technology Training Branch (RTTB). The supervisor is Steven Cochrum.
This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.
This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as experience which demonstrates extensive knowledge and understanding of commercial Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) facilities, particularly in the areas of systems design, instrumentation and control, risk insights, plant operations, operating requirements, technical specifications, and transient response and/or subsequent relevant experience. Examples of relevant experience may include performance as an NRC operations inspector, NRC operator license examiner, industry Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) or training instructor, startup engineer, or licensing project manager.
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: Knowledge and understanding of reactor operations, engineering, radiation protection, safeguards, and fuel cycle technology based on General Electric, Westinghouse, Combustion Engineering, Babcock and Wilcox, and advanced reactor vendor designs as would be gained from processing a previous reactor operating license or other experience. Knowledge of the principles of design, development, implementation, and evaluation of training and developmental programs; and the ability to exercise these areas to plan, organize, and direct programs with a board spectrum of classroom, web-based and experiential training activities to meet the learning and development needs of the Nuclear Regulator staff effectively and efficiently.
Knowledge of current training practices and theories (such as Kirkpatrick's Model, Phillip's ROI Model, Kaufman's Evaluation, Anderson's Model, etc.) and/or your experience in developing effective evaluation programs of training and qualification programs required by managerial, scientific, and administrative staff involving highly diversified disciplines and functions. Strong ability to provide leadership and effectively utilize human resources in leading technical staff; providing clear direction; evaluating outcomes; providing effective performance feedback; mentoring and developing technical staff; working across organizational lines to develop agency positions for unique or well-defined activities; and/or leading organizational change and improvement activities and supporting others in the same. A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume.
The NRC encourages applicants to provide job experience details in your resume.
Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria. PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Major Duties
The successful candidate will perform the full range of Reactor Technology Training Branch Chief duties. As the RTTB Branch Chief, you will manage the NRC Reactor Technology Training Program, which is required to support the Agency's licensing, inspection and regulatory responsibilities. Such duties include but are not limited to : Directs the work within the Reactor Technology Training component and is responsible for the development and implementation of programs to meet the training needs defined by formal NRC staff qualification and training programs.
Directs the development, maintenance, improvement, and implementation of a reactor technology curriculum in each of the General Electric, Westinghouse, Combustion Engineering, Babcock and Wilcox, and advanced reactor vendor designs. Manages the accomplishment of a spectrum of classroom, web-based (on-line and virtual), and full scope simulator courses to meet the cumulative reactor technology training needs of the NRC staff. Provides expert technical assistance to NRC, other government agencies, and foreign regulatory agencies regarding reactor operations, training standards, and programs.
Conditions of Employment
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. All information in your resume must be true and accurate. Conditions of Employment: This is a Drug Testing position Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.
Education
Qualification for 1701, General Education and Training series basic requirements: 1. Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position. OR 2. Combination of education and experience: Experience in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in A above.
You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.
You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
How You Will Be Evaluated
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements.
Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements.
You must respond to all required application questions. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.
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 concise resume that directly relates to this position.
Additional Information
This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 05/08/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12944589.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply. To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen.
Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process.
You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx. Important Considerations: Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted. Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance.
You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission. 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 coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further. Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications.
Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information. Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement.
Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts. SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Additional Resume Information: Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications.
Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your reΜsumeΜ to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position: Job title Name of employer Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable). Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position). Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter.
If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may 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, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.