Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This position is located in Division of Technical Training.
The supervisor is Justin Vazquez.
This position not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.
This position not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
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Duties
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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 engage in three (3) 4-5-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, with support for travel provided by the agency. 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. Expectations are then 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 members 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
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Conditions of employment
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.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship REQUIRED
• This is a Drug Testing position
• Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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 2027. A degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Data Science must be obtained between July 2026 and June 2027. Applicant must meet the GPA requirement in order to be considered.
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.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, 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. Knowledge requirements are typically met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering or 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 0801 Occupational Series or 1301 Occupational Series.
Education requirements for the NRAN program may also be met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant computer science, data science, or cybersecurity discipline that meets the minimum OPM qualification standards for the 1550 Occupational Series or 1560 Occupational Series. *If qualifying based on a degree in computer science, data science, or cybersecurity discipline, completed coursework must include at least two courses in either engineering or physical science and at least two courses in college-level mathematics (e.g., calculus, statistics, linear algebra, differential equations, etc.) completed at an accredited university or college with a score of B- or higher in each.
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. Required academic degrees, if not completed by the application date, must be completed by the end of June 2027.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Education
The position has an education requirement.
GG-07
Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Physical Science, Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity discipline, with at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
GG-09
Master's degree in an Engineering or Physical Science, Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity discipline, with at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
GG-11
Doctoral degree in an Engineering or Physical Science, Computer Science, Data Science, or Cybersecurity discipline, with at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
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 school name, student name, degree and date awarded (or anticipated graduation date), course titles, number of credits, grades, cumulative grade point average, courses currently in progress (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple qualifying 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.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
**Applicants who do not submit acceptable transcripts by the closing date will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. In addition, "Official" transcripts will be requested before the effective date of initial appointment. If official transcripts showing student name, school name, degree and date awarded, course titles, number of credits, grades, and final cumulative grade point average are not provided OR if official transcripts do not meet program eligibility requirements it may result in rescission of offer and/or removal from the position.
Additional information
This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency.
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.
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.
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 waiver 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.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.