03/30/2007 12480

NUCLEAR SAFETY SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional engineering work evaluating the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of commercial nuclear facilities within the Commonwealth.

An employee in this job conducts independent oversight of one or more assigned nuclear facilities to assess and identify nuclear and radiation safety issues. Work involves applying engineering principles in evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of the systems and equipment that are critical to protecting the public and the environment from the possible effects of abnormal operation or accident. Work includes reviewing and evaluating technical reports dealing with diverse aspects of nuclear facilities and their related fuel cycles; providing consultation on facility emergency plans; and providing expert testimony and assistance to legal staff in proceedings relating to matters of safety or environmental impact of nuclear facilities. Work may also involve overseeing decommissioning activities at assigned facilities by reviewing site characterization reports and plans, decommissioning plans and health and safety plans, conducting on-site inspections and reviewing final status surveys. An important aspect of this work is serving as the Commonwealth’s technical representative at the assigned nuclear facilities and advising state government officials on public health and safety matters during emergency situations. Employees have the authority to make technical decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, but engineering analyses, conclusions and recommendations are reviewed by a licensed professional engineer. Work is reviewed for attainment of program goals and objectives, completeness and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Serves as the Commonwealth’s technical representative at operational nuclear facilities or at nuclear sites undergoing decontamination or decommissioning.

Evaluates nuclear facility design, construction, operation and decommissioning to ascertain whether they meet all applicable federal and state requirements.

Reviews and evaluates industry and federal reports pertaining to safety or environmental impact of nuclear facilities to ascertain whether the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of these facilities provide reasonable assurance of public health and safety.

Participates in federal inspections or performs independent oversight of assigned nuclear facilities in order to ensure that the facilities are being operated safely.

Participates in the planning and development of systematic techniques for the evaluation of specific nuclear projects and systems.

Reviews and evaluates technical reports dealing with diverse aspects of nuclear facilities and their fuel cycles.

Provides consultation and assistance to other agency staff in the development and functioning of nuclear facility emergency plans.

Evaluates the validity of certain assumptions made in estimating the effectiveness and reliability of nuclear system components in mitigating the consequences of various systems failures.

Conducts inspections of radioactive materials or waste packaging and transportation activities at assigned nuclear facilities or other locations.

Provides technical support and assistance to advisory committees and commissions.

Participates in the interactions between federal regulators and applicants for federal permits and licenses for construction, operation, modification and decommissioning of nuclear facilities affecting the Commonwealth.

Provides expert testimony and assistance in legal proceedings in matters related to nuclear safety.

Participates in the efforts of the nuclear industry and federal regulators toward optimizing nuclear system safety and toward the furtherance of public education in matters relating to nuclear safety.

Participates in informing the public about nuclear safety and radioactive waste issues.

Presents training to staff on programmatic or engineering topics related to nuclear safety.

Prepares reports, letters and memoranda relating to the ability of nuclear facilities and systems to operate in a manner so as to protect public health and safety.

Travels to various worksites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of diverse aspects of design, construction, operation and decommissioning of light water reactor systems, specifically Boiling Water Reactors and Pressurized Water Reactors.

Knowledge of the fundamental nuclear engineering specialties such as steady state and transient nucleonics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, fission processes, fission products and accompanying radiation, and the mechanical and structural design aspects of nuclear plants.

Knowledge of federal rules and regulations concerning design, construction and operation of nuclear facilities.

Knowledge of diverse aspects of environmental and safety issues related to nuclear facilities or their associated fuel cycles.

Knowledge of the technical and regulatory aspects of nuclear site decontamination and decommissioning.

Ability to recognize and evaluate features of nuclear facilities which have an impact on plant safety and reliability and to make responsible recommendations regarding their acceptability as good nuclear practices.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to prepare and analyze technical reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to prepare and develop presentations to public officials and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of professional experience in nuclear systems safety analysis involving Boiling Water Reactors or Pressurized Water Reactors, and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear, mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, structural or environmental engineering, or in engineering technology;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid driver’s license.

Certain positions in this job will require possession of a valid Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.