Summary

NIST is seeking a Reactor Operator to maintain, test, and operate the nuclear reactor at the NCNR, providing world-class neutron measurement capabilities to researchers from industry, academia, and government. The work of this role directly enables critical scientific breakthroughs advancing economic and technical excellence in the U.S.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

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NIST's NCNR is a national user facility that advances economic and technical excellence in the U.S. by providing world-class neutron measurement capabilities to meet the needs of researchers from industry, academia, and government. Research being conducted at the NCNR provides massive economic returns to U.S. industries and advances scientific research globally in numerous complex fields, like quantum information science, energy storage, and bioscience. Reactor Operators at the NCNR are foundational to the facility's day-to-day scientific output as they conduct instrument maintenance and calibration, quality assurance, and equipment management.

As a Reactor Operator at the ZT-III level, you will:

• Perform routine operations on a research reactor,
• Perform equipment maintenance on a research reactor,
• Perform specified routine procedures of a research reactor, and
• Attend routine continuous training on a research reactor.

As a Reactor Operator at the ZT-IV level, you will:

• Direct and perform routine operations on a research reactor,
• Direct and perform equipment maintenance on a research reactor,
• Direct specified routine procedures of a research reactor, and
• Attend routine continuous training on a research reactor.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

To qualify for the ZT-III, applicants must have one year (52 Weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-08 grade level (ZTII for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience assisting or providing technical support with regular routine procedures, operations, or maintenance of a nuclear facility.

OR

Two full years of graduate education

OR

A master's degree related to the position

OR

A combination of education and experience

To qualify for the ZT-IV, applicants must have one year (52 Weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-10 grade level (ZT-III for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience performing routine operations or equipment maintenance on a nuclear facility with little supervision

And

• Experience identifying abnormal conditions and performing complex or specialized maintenance activities

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A probationary period may be required.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

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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.