Nuclear Regulatory Commission is Hiring an Administrative Judge (Legal) Near Rockville, MD

Qualifications:

Minimally qualified candidates will have at least 10 years of work experience, including substantial litigation experience in fields that apply directly to the adjudicatory work of the ASLBP; however, a preferred candidate would have experience in administrative law and environmental law, and would possess extensive litigation experience. Typically, at least one year of this experience should be comparable in complexity and responsibility to the kind of work normally assigned at the grade 15 level or higher in the Federal government, or equivalent. An applicant should also possess the experience, poise, temperament, judgment, collegiality, and professional stature required to perform successfully the important duties and responsibilities of a presiding Administrative Judge in proceedings that come before the ASLBP. An applicant's resume should describe any prior experience with the adjudicatory process and litigation (e.g., as counsel for a party). A successful applicant should have excellent written and oral communication skills and have a demonstrated ability to make fair and impartial decisions in a timely manner based on the record. Because the Panel works as a team, applicants should be accustomed to, and skilled at, working in a collegial environment.

The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate:

1. Comprehensive knowledge and experience with trial/administrative hearing procedures and practices, including rules of evidence and witness examination, alternative dispute resolution techniques, and the use of computer and telecommunications technologies (e.g., electronic filing and database management, video conferencing), particularly as they may apply to licensing and enforcement proceedings regarding civilian nuclear facilities for which public hearings are required. 

2. An ability to understand, interpret, and apply substantive law and ability to assimilate technical subject matter, define issues, and analyze, synthesize, and evaluate evidence.

3. An ability to make independent decisions in a timely, fair, and impartial manner.

4. An ability to communicate orally in a manner that is clear, concise, and understandable, and to elicit facts by examining expert and lay witnesses; a demonstrated ability to listen attentively and deal courteously, tactfully, firmly, and impartially with others in an adversarial or similar setting; and an ability to write clear, concise, comprehensive, and convincing decisions involving complex legal and technical issues in a timely manner.

5. The ability to establish effective work relationships with all levels of management, peers, and staff, and to achieve cooperation and consensus among parties engaged in joint or parallel efforts.

 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.

Responsibilities:

Serves as a member of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP). Prehearing activities include examining pleadings and filings and preparing orders.  Hearing activities include coordination of the hearing, scheduling the hearing, questioning or examining witnesses and evaluating their testimony, and assuring an accurate hearing record.  Decision-related activities include studying the record, considering proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, researching precedents, and preparing written orders and decisions.

Secondarily, as requested by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Panel, and not inconsistent with his/her primary adjudicatory responsibilities, performs other assigned duties, including advising the Chief Administrative Judge and the Panel concerning regulatory, administrative, and procedural matters relating to the licensing process of the NRC.

The Panel is comprised of legally trained administrative judges (Legal Administrative Judges), as well as scientifically and technically trained administrative judges (Technical Administrative Judges). The ASLBP conducts hearings and makes decisions with respect to granting, suspending, revoking, or amending licenses authorized by the Atomic Energy Act, including those related to nuclear power plants, enrichment facilities, fabrication facilities, fuel cycle related facilities (including those for spent fuel storage), and facilities licensed to possess nuclear materials. Hearings usually are conducted by a three-member Board, typically consisting of one Legal Administrative Judge and two Technical Administrative Judges who have experience and expertise in fields related to issues before the Board. This assignment will be associated with expected hearings to include the licensing of new commercial nuclear power plants, license renewal of existing nuclear power plants, and power uprates of existing power plants. Both Legal and Technical Administrative Judges are appointed as members of the Panel by the Commission on the basis of recognized experience and achievement in their field. Candidates found well qualified will either be appointed directly or placed on a register from which future appointments may be made.

Job Summary