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Summary The Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network (NRAN) is an 18-month entry-level developmental program for outstanding individuals in engineering and physical science designed to provide a broad understanding of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mission by focusing on skill development in various program areas across the agency. We are recruiting for the next cohort, which will commence in July 2026. Responsibilities Actual duties will vary depending on placement in the engineering or scientific training and development track. The NRAN program is comprised of two phases. The initial training phase focuses on regulatory, technical, and organizational fundamentals, followed by the apprenticeship phase in the regions and headquarters program offices. Each apprenticeship is designed towards gaining a variety of skills, competencies, and position experience. At the end of the program, cohort members are reassigned into positions in the program offices and regions that have been identified to meet the skill needs of the agency. Phase I is a foundational knowledge phase. The programming is executed to the members together as one cohort. This phase focuses on agency and program orientation, cohort development, and training on regulatory fundamentals, technical fundamentals, organization knowledge, and NRC values and culture. The length may vary, but it is generally 10 – 15 weeks in duration. During Phase I, the cohort may have opportunities to travel to the regions, site visits, and training at the NRC's Technical Training Center in Chattanooga, TN, as arranged through the program. Phase II is the apprenticeship phase. In this phase, NRAN members typically engage in (3) 5-month apprenticeships where they gain hands-on experience in regulatory decision-making positions. It is generally expected that one of the apprenticeships be based in a regional office. The expected activities and accomplishments for each apprenticeship are discussed in advance among the NRAN member, apprenticeship supervisor from the receiving office or region, and NRAN Branch Chief and documented in a signed apprenticeship agreement. Changes in the agreement must be mutually agreed-upon by the three signing parties. This phase may include designated technical trainings. The NRAN member will provide a close-out memorandum to the apprenticeship supervisor(s) and NRAN Branch Chief accounting for activities completed or basis for non-completion. NRC employees have responsibilities that include: protecting public health and safety; protecting the environment; protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and plants in the interest of national security; and assuring conformity with antitrust laws. Agency employees perform these functions through: standards-setting and rulemaking, technical reviews and studies; conducting public hearings; issuance of authorizations, permits, and licenses; inspection, investigation, and enforcement; evaluation of operating experience; and confirmatory research. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship Required Background investigation for a clearance is required for new hires. This is a Drug Testing position. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.95 This announcement is intended for students majoring in engineering or physical science who are Recent Graduates to create the NRAN cohort which will commence in July 2026. A degree in engineering or physical science must be obtained between May 2024 and May 2026. A veteran who, due to military service, was precluded from applying within the 2-year eligibility period will have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon his/her release or (honorable) discharge from active duty, up to a maximum of 6 years from the date the individual completed the academic requirements. It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that verifies you meet the basic education and professional knowledge requirements. In the absence of such documentation, you will be rated not qualified. Selectees may be required to serve a trial period to assess their overall fitness and qualifications for continued employment. The trial period for new employees is two years. New employees who are preference eligible veterans serve a one-year trial period. All information in your resume must be true and accurate. Qualifications You must meet basic education and professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering and physical sciences positions for the grade levels to which you are applying. This knowledge is met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering/physical science discipline from a school of engineering with at least one engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or by documenting how you meet the minimum OPM qualification standards for the 800 Occupational Series or 1301 Occupational Series Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above). More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering and sciences jobs is described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards. Candidates must meet the qualifications for this position before placement in the position. Education The position has an education requirement. GG-07 Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Physical Science discipline, with at least a 2.95 overall GPA. GG-09 Master's degree in an Engineering or Physical Science discipline, with at least a 2.95 overall GPA. GG-11 Doctoral degree in an Engineering or Physical Science discipline, with at least a 2.95 overall GPA. Transcripts You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Transcript must include the Student Name, School Name, course titles, number of credits, grades, cumulative grade point average, courses currently in progress (if applicable), and 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. Applicants who do not submit acceptable transcripts by the closing date will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. "Official" transcripts will be requested before the effective date of initial appointment. If official transcripts are not provided OR if official transcripts do not meet program eligibility requirements it may result in removal from the position. Additional Information The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with the agency policy. 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: FedsHireVets 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) 287-0745 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Suitability and Investigation: 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 need favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a waiver is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are 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. Drug Testing: 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. Reasonable Accommodation: 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) 287-0739 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.