Division Director, Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division
Date: Nov 26, 2024
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 14148
Overview:
The Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applicants for the Division Director of the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD). This position reports to the ISED Associate Laboratory Director. The incumbent will ensure compliant, safe and efficient operations of the NNFD facilities, enabling world-leading radioisotope production and research and development inside the facilities.
NNFD facilities are comprised of multiple buildings (including Hazard Category 2 & 3 nuclear facilities) which house laboratories with shielded hot cells, glove boxes and other laboratory spaces. This position is one of ORNL’s most critical to the overall risk profile of the laboratory while also being considered essential to the Department of Energy mission and commitment to isotope supply. Additionally, many other ORNL R&D programs depend directly or indirectly on the nuclear capabilities made possible by the facilities under the control of NNFD. This position will interface with research, production, and waste management organizations as well as other facilities both on and off the ORNL campus.
Due to the high-hazard work conducted in these facilities, high standards, good organization, and discipline are required by the incumbent and all staff, requiring a leader that sets a measured and disciplined tone while promoting an environment of creativity and flexibility essential to R&D work. Balancing these tones is critical to the success of the work conducted in these facilities. Visiting scientists and users from other institutions may not have the same cultural norms regarding operational discipline, making this a dynamic and challenging environment.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Manage the NNFD to support the research and radioisotope production missions of the laboratory. Responsible for the reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable operation of all the nuclear facilities with an annual budget of approximately $60M.
- Operate the NNFD facilities to support multiple program efforts including post-irradiation examination of irradiated materials and nuclear fuels, fuel cycle technology development and demonstration, radioisotope R&D and production, used fuel disposition R&D, Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) testing, storage of valuable nuclear materials, and remote -handled legacy material disposition.
- Manage the division of approximately 180 direct and matrixed staff, actively engage with human resources on succession planning, salary planning, development and subject area coordination.
- Ensure that NNFD facilities are operated within their approved DOE authorization envelopes and are compliant with federal and state laws, and with laboratory policies, standards, and procedures as documented in the Standards Based Management System, as well as meeting the expectations of the laboratory agenda.
- Proactively maintain the NNFD infrastructure to stay compliant with federal regulations and enable radioisotope production and R&D work inside the facilities.
- Work towards consolidation of ORNL’s nuclear infrastructure to reduce overall risk and provide the safest and most efficient facilities and support infrastructure.
- Collaborate with the DOE site office and program offices to share regular updates on facility status and plans for infrastructure improvements.
- Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- A BS degree in engineering or related technical field with at least ten years of management experience in operations and facility management is required.
- A strong understanding of DOE Conduct of Operations (DOE O 422.1) requirements for Non-Reactor Nuclear Facilities.
- A foundational understanding of requirements for processing nuclear waste.
- Familiarity with DOE O 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities.
- A strong understanding of DOE-approved safety basis for a Hazard Category 2 and 3 DOE nuclear facilities and, specifically with the hazard controls that ensure adequate protection of workers, the public, and the environment.
- Candidates for this position must have experience in managing nuclear facilities and knowledge of R&D activities.
- A strong record in safe nuclear operations and safety improvement activities is required.
- Requires strong leadership, critical thinking, and business management skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Must be able to collaborate with a diverse group of customers, including talking to executive management, and effectively manage within a labor agreement.
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in engineering or business, MS or MBA.
- At least five years of relevant experience in a DOE production facility.
- Proven ability to function well in Production and Research environments, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
- Experience with DOE safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
- Active DOE Q clearance.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse program (WSAP) testing designed position which requires passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program in which employees are subject to being randomly selected for testing. The occupant of this position will also be subject to an ongoing requirement to report to ORNL any drug-related arrest or conviction or receipt of a positive drug test result.
Relocation:
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
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ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
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