Historian

Summary Organization Location: Office of the Secretary Duty Station: Rockville, Maryland Supervisor: Carrie Safford This position is Non Bargaining Unit. This position is subject to Public Financial Disclosure Reporting Requirements. This position is subject to Subject to the Security Ownership Restrictions. Responsibilities As the NRCs Historian, you will provide authoritative assistance, consultation, and guidance to the Chair, Commissioners, and senior agency management on the history of nuclear licensing and regulation in the United States to support and facilitate major NRC functions and mission activities. You will serve as the Commission’s expert and agency-wide resource for major policy, program, or operational initiatives associated with the history of nuclear regulation and act as the agencys principal liaison with external groups and organizations for all related matters. Duties may include, but are not limited to: Serves as the Commissions expert on the history of nuclear licensing and regulation in the United States. Provides authoritative consultation, guidance and assistance, and coordination in identifying, analyzing, and evaluating complex historical policy issues on a wide range of subjects, including technical, scientific, political, social, and economic questions of national and international concern to the Commission and members of their staffs, the Secretary of the Commission, and other NRC offices and personnel. Independently authors books and plans the scope, outline, emphasis, and content of the NRC history of nuclear licensing and regulation in the United States. Independently authors agency reports and articles on NRC history for publication in historical or other professional journals. Provides expert knowledge of historical research methodology for development of a program that utilizes various collections of historical records, including NRC records; Atomic Energy Commission records and other materials at the National Archives; privately held collections; Presidential and University library collections; digital repositories; and other sources to conduct research, analyze, and evaluate documents significant to NRC history. Develops and conducts an oral history program for collecting data through direct interviews of persons who participated in the historical events to be recorded in the NRC history and through interviews with Commissioners and senior level officials for use in writing later volumes of NRC history. Develops a peer review program that solicits comments and criticism from experts on the content and quality of draft manuscripts developed under the NRC history program. Functions as the lead agency point of contact and liaison with external Government agencies, industry organizations, academia, and professional societies with interest in the NRC historical program and other public organizations. Functions as the lead agency point of contact and liaison with external research repository institutions that hold former Commissioner papers and represents the agencys position, procedures, and concerns to the repository organization with regard to access to the collection(s). Also represents the NRC as a member of interagency working groups and task forces, as well as professional association committees, advisory panels, or study groups. Serves as an in-house consultant to the Chairman, Commissioners, Executive Director for Operations, Office Directors and support staffs for all questions relevant to the history of nuclear licensing and regulation in the U.S. Contributes to the Office of the Secretary’s development of operational strategies and work plans to ensure consistency of day-to-day activities with long-term policy goals and objectives in the NRC history program. Functions as the lead agency point of contact on matters relating to the history of the NRC with media representatives and members of the public. Communicates to the general public the history of the NRC through documentaries, social media, television and radio programs, and at public symposia. Serves as a source for the Commission and the agency staff on matters relating to “knowledge management” of the NRC’s historical activities, decisions, and legacy. Participates in teaching courses and gives talks to agency offices and programs on the history of the NRC. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship Required This is a drug testing position Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires. List of supplemental material that may be applicable: 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. 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/. If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts. All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have two 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 Qualifications To qualify for this position, you must have at least seven to ten years of specialized experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., graduate degree) that demonstrates (1) Expert knowledge of historical research methodology equivalent to that typically acquired through doctoral level graduate study in history and progressively responsible professional experience in historical research, writing, and publication. (2) Stature as an acknowledged expert in historical research as demonstrated by authorship of significant agency publications and policies, receipt of awards and professional honors, publication of books and articles, or participation on panels at professional meetings and conferences. (3) Broad knowledge of the NRCs mission, functions, organization, and basic regulatory philosophy and practices, as well as understanding of the relationship between the NRC and Congress, central management agencies, industry organizations, professional societies, and interest groups. (4) Ability to absorb, integrate, and synthesize complex technical information in developing effective operational or management support programs and policies. (5) Advanced Skills in oral and written communication sufficient to effectively convey and represent complex, detailed information of a programmatic and/or policy nature to colleagues, peers, senior office and agency management, and representatives of other institutions, agencies, or organizations. (6) Demonstrated ability to apply specialized knowledge and skills to the examination, evaluation, or resolution of complex programmatic, organizational, or policy issues; to establish new programs or approaches to difficult problems; and to contribute to the effective fulfillment of the agency’s mission. (7) Demonstrated ability to independently identify requirements for advanced research, analysis, or evaluation activities with regard to complex Commission policy issues, ability to oversee and coordinate the work of contractors, when required, in carrying our such activities, and skill in achieving cooperation and consensus among parties engaged in joint or parallel efforts. (8) Demonstrated skill in addressing, both in written and oral presentations, groups and individuals outside the NRC who have little or no knowledge of agency history. A detailed description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate; including types and complexity of projects or work assignments you have undertaken and your specific role (e.g., lead, contributor, etc.) that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the area, should be addressed in your resume and additional space provided for supplemental response. The Ideal Candidate for this position will have: 1. Expert knowledge and application of historical methodology equivalent to that typically acquired through doctorate level graduate study in history, and progressively responsible professional experience in historical research, writing, and publication of scholarly histories that meet high professional standards and are well-regarded by experts in the field. (Double Weighted) (Describe specific work experience, education and accomplishments that demonstrate your expert knowledge and application of established methods of historical investigation in order to collect, evaluate, analyze, and present historical information accurately in a clear and understandable manner. Describe your experience using various collections of historical records (e.g., National Archives records, privately held collections, Presidential and University Library collections, and other sources) to conduct research, and analyze and evaluate documents. Describe any experience you have in records management and archival practices. Describe your experience and accomplishments writing significant articles, studies, or books, including peer-reviewed publications, and provide evidence of favorable reviews in professional journals. Describe any honors or awards you have received. Provide specific examples and accomplishments.) 2. Advanced skills in oral and written communication sufficient to effectively convey and present complex subject matter in a clear and understandable manner to colleagues, peers, senior management officials, representatives of other institutions, agencies or organizations, media representatives, and members of the public. (Describe the kinds of oral presentations or briefings you have made, and the audience levels and groups involved (i.e., colleagues, senior management officials, academia, professional societies, representatives of other institutions/organizations, etc.). If the candidate has produced or made presentations through social media, describe those activities. Describe the nature, scope and complexity of the topics involved. Describe your specific experience and accomplishments integrating and synthesizing complex subject matter in order to provide a comprehensive oral or written presentation for a lay audience. Describe your contributions to publication of articles, books or studies in your field. Describe your experience participating on panels or at professional meetings and conferences. Provide specific examples and accomplishments reflecting your ability to explain and present facts and ideas in a clear, concise and understandable manner.) 3. Demonstrated ability to function as an organizational representative and liaison, and to develop effective working relationships with all levels of management and staff. (Describe the various types and levels of individuals you routinely interact with and for what purposes. Describe your experience representing your organization before a variety of individuals and your success in achieving organizational goals and objectives. Describe your experience interacting and/or representing your organization on interagency working groups and task forces, as well as professional association committees, advisory panels, or study groups. Provide specific examples of developing professional networks with other organizations and situations which required you to use tact, diplomacy and negotiation skills to achieve cooperation and develop consensus, and your accomplishments in building coalitions and effective work relationships.) Education Basic Requirements Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Evaluation of Graduate Education Graduate study in the social sciences or humanities may also be credited when such study included training in historical research methodology; or the thesis approached the subject from an historical viewpoint and used professional historical research methodology and techniques in its preparation. Additional Information 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 Disability Program Coordinator at (301) 415-2294.. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Selection for this position will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, membership, or non membership in an employee organization, personal favoritism or other non- merit factors. 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, 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, and reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier 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. The duty location of this position is 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.