ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE (LEGAL)

Summary

This position is located in Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel. The supervisor is E. Roy Hawkens, Chief Administrative Judge. This position is subject to Public Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

Duties

*** This announcement may be extended beyond the initial closing date if additional time is needed to identify a sufficient number of qualified candidates for consideration.*** Serves as a member of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP). Prehearing activities include examining pleadings and filings and preparing orders. Hearing activities include coordination of the hearing, scheduling the hearing, questioning or examining witnesses and evaluating their testimony, and assuring an accurate hearing record. Decision-related activities include studying the record, considering proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, researching precedent, and preparing written orders and decisions. Secondarily, as requested by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Panel, and not inconsistent with his/her primary adjudicatory responsibilities, performs other assigned duties, including advising the Chief Administrative Judge and the Panel concerning regulatory, administrative, and procedural matters relating to the licensing process of the NRC. The Panel is comprised of legally trained administrative judges (Legal Administrative Judges), as well as scientifically and technically trained administrative judges (Technical Administrative Judges). The ASLBP conducts hearings and makes decisions with respect to granting, suspending, revoking, or amending licenses authorized by the Atomic Energy Act, including those related to nuclear power plants, enrichment facilities, fuel cycle-related facilities (including those for spent fuel storage), and the possession and use of nuclear materials. Hearings usually are conducted by a three-member Board, typically consisting of one Legal Administrative Judge who serves as Board chair, and two Technical Administrative Judges who have experience and expertise in fields related to issues before the Board. This assignment will be associated with expected hearings to include the licensing of new commercial nuclear power plants, license renewal of existing nuclear power plants, and power uprates of existing power plants. Both Legal and Technical Administrative Judges are appointed as members of the Panel by the Commission on the basis of recognized experience and achievement in their field. Candidates found well qualified will either be appointed directly or placed on a register from which future appointments may be made.

Requirements

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: U.S. Citizenship Required This is a Drug Testing position Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

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 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 resume that directly relates to this position.

Education

You must be a graduate of an accredited law school with a J.D., LL.B., or equivalent degree, and you must be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. 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 are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. 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.

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; 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.

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 04/26/2027. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13086162. 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. Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.

Required documents

The following documents are required for a complete application package. Failure to submit any required document will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive further consideration. Resume: USAJOBS Resume Guidance. Include your name and contact information; education; detailed work experience (job title, employer, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and federal series/grade, if applicable); and other relevant qualifications. Your resume must not exceed two pages. See Additional Resume Information below. Transcripts: If the position has a positive education requirement, submit official or unofficial college/university transcripts. Diplomas are not acceptable substitutes. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Two Writing Samples: Submit two samples demonstrating your communication skills, technical expertise, and analytical ability. Samples must be substantially written by you. For co-authored samples, identify the portions you wrote. Proof of Bar Membership: Submit proof of good-standing membership in the bar of a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia. Cover Letter: Recommended but not required. Additional Documents for Claimed Eligibility Submit the applicable documents below if you claim the corresponding eligibility: Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: Submit your most recent non-award SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) verifying competitive or excepted service status or reinstatement eligibility. Award SF-50s alone will not be accepted for further consideration. Veterans' Preference Eligibles: Submit a DD-214 showing character/type of discharge (e.g., Member 4 copy), SF-15, and supporting documentation, as applicable (e.g., VA disability rating letter). Active-duty applicants must submit certification of expected discharge or release under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Veterans' preference must be verified before appointment. For more information, visit FedsHireVets. Individuals with Disabilities: Applicants using Schedule A must submit supporting documentation, such as a Schedule A letter. See the USAJOBS Help Center. Military Spouses: Submit documentation verifying marriage to the service member (e.g., marriage certificate), plus the applicable documentation: Active-duty spouse: Current military orders or statement of service supporting more than 180 consecutive days of active-duty service. Spouse of a 100% disabled service member: Service member's DD-214 and documentation confirming 100% service-connected disability (e.g., VA letter). Unremarried widow/widower: Documentation verifying the service member's death while on active duty (e.g., DD-1300). Peace Corps: Submit a description of service or other proof of noncompetitive eligibility. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Additional Resume Information Your resume is essential to evaluating your qualifications and should clearly demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and abilities. Limit your resume to two pages. We encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you use your own resume, ensure it includes the following information for each position: Job title and employer name. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year). Hours worked per week. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated; part-time experience will be prorated. Concise, results-focused descriptions of duties, accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities, including supervisory/managerial duties and the number of staff supervised, if applicable. Federal series and grade, or equivalent, for federal positions. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself or sensitive information such as age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, or Social Security number in your resume or cover letter. Applications containing prohibited information may be deemed ineligible and receive no further consideration. We will not access external webpages linked in your resume or cover letter, including LinkedIn or other social media profiles, to evaluate your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.

Additional information

*** This announcement may be extended beyond the initial closing date if additional time is needed to identify a sufficient number of qualified candidates for consideration.*** This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency. Selectees 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. The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing. 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 waiver 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.