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This position is located in the Office of the Executive Director for Operations, Assistant for Operations Branch. The supervisor is Matthew Meyer, Deputy Assistant for Operations. This position is non-bargaining. Expenses associated with relocation may be paid. This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure and Security Ownership restrictions reporting requirements. Occasional travel is required.
Learn more about this agency10/10/2023 to 11/20/2023
$132,368 - $172,075 per year
GG 14
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - This position requires occasional travel.
Yes—Expenses associated with relocation may be paid.
Permanent
Full-time - Full-time; Telework eligible in accordance with agency policy.
Excepted
14
No
Yes
EDO-2024-0001
753895200
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Current excepted service federal employees.
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
All NRC employees are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
As the Program Evaluator (Social Scientist), you will be responsible for designing, planning, and conducting evidence building activities that include evaluations, research, assessments, and analyses. These evidence building activities involve performing complex evaluations through the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings to facilitate decision-making regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of processes, programs, operations, policies, and regulations. Performing these evaluations requires an advanced understanding of evaluation theory, methods, approaches, and applications established within the social sciences (e.g., organizational psychology, political science, sociology). Assignments also involve coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts where applicable to develop findings for improving the effectiveness and efficiency, and to gain visibility into the impact of resource allocation on achieving program objectives.
Such duties include but are not limited to:
Serves as a Program Evaluator and technical authority responsible for developing, carrying out, and overseeing evidence building activities to further the mission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from project inception through field work to completion of final reports. Uses in depth experience and skill to apply appropriate evidence building techniques and methods to assess effectiveness and efficiency for improving areas such as programs, operations, policy, and regulations. Provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and oversight on strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous quality improvement within the agency.
In collaboration with senior staff, plays a leading role in designing, planning, and coordinating evidence building activities, including developing evaluation questions, project objectives, hypotheses, data collection and measurement (qualitative and quantitative) strategies, and rigorous approaches for testing hypotheses. Identifies challenges, needs, opportunities and finds relevant and applicable solutions, relying on evidence, considering policy alternatives, and making evidence-based findings.
Using appropriate evidence building principles and methods, undertakes a range of technically substantive activities. This includes reviewing and summarizing scientific literature; creating annotated bibliographies; identifying existing data; drafting coding and survey instruments; documenting the evaluation process, findings, and implications; drafting sections of reports; leading training sessions; and preparing written analysis summaries and case summaries. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes data; researches published materials; examines regulations; and takes steps necessary to provide vital technical information in a meaningful format. Performs sophisticated quantitative and qualitative analysis of policy issues using appropriate methodology and presents information and findings in analytical papers or provides input into reports and papers. Examples of quantitative methods for which the incumbent should be skilled include but are not limited to manipulation and cleaning of complex administrative data sets; non-experimental or quasi- experimental methods, such as difference in differences, matching estimators, regression discontinuity, and the use of natural experiments; predictive modeling or machine learning; and data visualization.
Remains abreast of recent advances in scientific knowledge, social and public policy research. Provides authoritative technical expertise in the creation of data files in statistical software, data entry, and execution of relevant statistical functions, execution of statistical analyses, and interpretation and analysis of data. Uses varied state-of-the-art qualitative and mixed methods combined with the use of statistical software, including for example R, Stata, and Python.
Conducts internal and external briefings and presentations and provides sound scientifically based findings on technical matters. Recommends adjustments to plans for evidence building activities when such action is required and informs the supervisor accordingly. Attends and presents papers at conferences or professional society meetings. Consults and coordinates activities with subject matter experts, representatives of other Federal Government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative and/or Project/Program Manager, responsible for evidence building activities conducted by external, third-party contractors. Designs and conducts evidence building activities using relevant data, distills findings for stakeholders, and develops relations with internal and external agency partners throughout the process.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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.
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower (GG-13) grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Specialized experience includes knowledge of evaluation theory, methods, approaches, and applications established within the social science disciplines to perform technically authoritative evidence building activities, the skill in designing, planning, and coordinating complex evaluations, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts where applicable.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Advanced understanding of evaluation theory, methods, approaches, and applications established within the social sciences (e.g., organizational psychology, political science, sociology).
2. Experience and skill to apply appropriate evidence building techniques and methods to assess effectiveness and efficiency for improving areas such as programs, operations, policy, and regulations.
3. Skilled in use of varied state-of-the-art qualitative and mixed methods combined with the use of statistical software, including for example, R, Stata, and Python.
4. Skilled in manipulation and cleaning of complex administrative data sets; nonexperimental or quasi-experimental methods, such as difference in differences, matching
estimators, regression discontinuity, and the use of natural experiments; predictive modeling or machine learning; and data visualization.
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 and in your response to a supplemental question.
Qualification for 0101 Series:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
or
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
or
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.
The duty location of this position is the Rockville, Maryland. In general, employees are expected to be in the office 4 days per pay period. Telework schedules are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to all vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill, and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.
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 thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
List of supplemental material that may be applicable:
As an NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. You may do so electronically, following the instructions below.
**If you are a NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).**
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:
1. Use the "USAJoBs" feature to download documents from your USAJOBs portfolio; or
2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.
We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.
The NRC requires that applicants submit resumes built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool. The Resume Builder tool is activated upon selecting "Build New Resume" under the "Resumes" section of your USAJOBS account.
Resumes uploaded to your USAJOBS jobseeker account that have not been built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool WILL NOT be accepted and you WILL NOT be allowed to further advance through the NRC application process.
To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of "USAJOBS Resume" and a source type of "Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.
Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.
You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.
To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/753895200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
If you are curious, inspired, or interested in bringing your energy to a committed team in a dynamic science, engineering, technical, or administrative career, consider the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We are professionals dedicated to protecting people and the environment by safeguarding the use of nuclear materials in medicine, industry, and research.
NRC is an independent agency established to protect public health and safety as nuclear energy fuels electrical power and a variety of industrial, medical, and research applications. We come from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds—the military, industry, and academia.
The NRC prides itself on creating a work environment rich in opportunity, diversity, leadership, training, teamwork and work life balance. Help guide our nation into the next generation of nuclear safety! Begin a challenging career with the NRC where you can be a part of a select group of professionals who protect people and the environment with the peaceful use of nuclear materials in medicine, industry and research. To find out more about the NRC, we invite you to visit us on the web at www.nrc.gov.
