Nuclear Safety Specialist

Commonwealth of PA; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Paid leave

Work-from-home opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Nuclear Safety Specialist to evaluate nuclear operations, support emergency planning, and review safety reports. You will conduct independent assessments, participate in inspections, and communicate findings to staff and the public.

This full-time, hybrid role requires traveling to facilities, staying current with federal safety standards, and helping ensure safe, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• 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.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• This position requires possession of a valid driver's license.
• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversight Reviews: Conduct independent assessments of nuclear power plant operations and decommissioning activities
• Safety Inspections: Participate in federal inspections to verify compliance with safety and environmental requirements
• Report Evaluation: Review industry and federal documents that address nuclear safety and environmental impacts
• Emergency Planning: Take part in drills, assist with radiological emergency plans, and support response readiness
• Waste Oversight: Inspect low-level radioactive waste packaging and transportation activities at assigned facilities
• Public Education: Provide guidance, training, and information to staff and the public regarding nuclear safety issues

Skills

Nuclear safety analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in nuclear, mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, structural or environmental engineering, or engineering technology

Job description

THE POSITION

As a Nuclear Safety Specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection, you will take part in important efforts that protect communities and the environment. This role offers exciting opportunities to evaluate nuclear operations, support emergency planning, and review safety reports. You will gain knowledge in a highly specialized field while working with motivated colleagues. Join a career path that blends science, public service, and real-world problem solving.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports safe nuclear operations by reviewing plant activities, evaluating safety practices, and assisting with emergency preparedness. It involves detailed inspections, technical assessments, and communication with staff and the public. As a Nuclear Safety Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Oversight Reviews: Conduct independent assessments of nuclear power plant operations and decommissioning activities
• Safety Inspections: Participate in federal inspections to verify compliance with safety and environmental requirements
• Report Evaluation: Review industry and federal documents that address nuclear safety and environmental impacts
• Emergency Planning: Take part in drills, assist with radiological emergency plans, and support response readiness
• Waste Oversight: Inspect low-level radioactive waste packaging and transportation activities at assigned facilities
• Public Education: Provide guidance, training, and information to staff and the public regarding nuclear safety issues

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60‑minute lunch.
• This position requires travel to report to station of responsibility, emergency response drills, and training.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part‑time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high‑speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $88,020 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• 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; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position. Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

• You must provide complete and accurate information or:

• your score may be lower than deserved.

• you may be disqualified.

• You may only apply/test once for this posting.

• Your results will be provided via email.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work‑from‑home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee‑only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.