Director, Nuclear Power Safety - Climate & Energy Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment. We are scientists, engineers, economists, activists and everyday people who develop and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting misinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.

The Climate and Energy program is the largest UCS program, bringing climate science education to the public and policy makers, exposing the deceptive practices of fossil fuel producers, and advancing clean and low carbon energy solutions.

Are existing, aging nuclear plants meeting high safety standards? Are the regulations governing them effective and enforced? Should the licenses of existing reactors be extended? Are new nuclear designs safer than existing reactors? What is the role of nuclear power plants in fighting climate change? As nuclear plant owners seek financial support, what do lawmakers and regulators need to know about their safety record?

As the Director of Nuclear Power Safety, these are the types of questions you will explore, pose and answer. We need someone who knows this industry and has a deep understanding of the technology, safety requirements, and levers to pull to strengthen and enforce those regulations. A successful candidate raises the tough questions and follows the facts where they lead.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and nuclear industry initiatives, and other communications to identify changes proposed or implemented to safety requirements, safety problems and proposed legislation affecting the nuclear safety.
• When appropriate, file petitions for rulemaking and enforcement action with the NRC and submit formal allegations to the commission.
• Develop position papers, fact sheets, presentations, talking points, web copy and other products for use in communication, educational, advocacy and outreach activities.
• Serve as UCS staff spokesperson on nuclear power safety, decommissioning, waste disposal, and related issues pertaining to the light water reactor feet, working proactively with media staff to engage broadcast and print media, help educate members of Congress and the administration, governors and state legislators, federal and state agency and regulatory leaders and their staffs about UCS positions and help advance UCS’s legislative agenda.
• Assess the equity implications of existing and proposed safety regulations, including the risks inadequate safety regulation and enforcement poses for surrounding communities, especially Tribal and marginalized communities
• Assist program staff in engaging in stakeholder discussions on the role of nuclear power in the context of climate change. Highlight issues of safety, equity, comparative energy economics, and public subsidies related to existing light-water reactors and new proposals.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for someone with a minimum of seven years' experience in the nuclear energy field, nuclear power industry, regulatory agency, or in a technical capacity in an organization that monitors the industry, or in a nuclear engineering department in an academic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of nuclear power, including safety, technologies, nuclear engineering, design and operations, policies and markets, and their political/social/environmental/economic ramifications, and detailed and current knowledge of NRC regulations and practices. A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering and relevant experience working in the nuclear industry, or advanced degree in nuclear engineering or related field is required.

May spend extended periods at computer. Travel to UCS offices, professional conferences, and other public speaking engagements expected.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. A listing of all open jobs is available at https://www.ucsusa.org/about/jobs-ucs.

To Apply:

The Union of Concerned Scientists has retained the services of Insight Executive Search. For more information or to apply for the position, please contact:

Aaron Schmidt, President
Insight Executive Search
(949) 281-7525
aaron.schmidt@insightexecutivesearch.com

Deadline: November 15, 2019 or until filled.