Resident Inspector
Resident Inspectors protect the health and safety of the public and the environment by serving as the eyes and ears of the agency. They are stationed at operating commercial nuclear reactors, reactors under construction, and certain fuel cycle facilities. Resident inspectors typically live in the community of their assigned plant. They conduct regular inspections, monitor plant operations and major work projects, and interact with plant workers and the public. Their knowledge of inspection procedures and plant-specific systems and operations provides a critical resource for reactor oversight and has a direct impact on public safety.
- They perform risk-informed inspection and assessment activities to identify safety, regulatory, or program issues and prioritize inspection efforts
- They document the results of inspection and assessment activities in quarterly reports to ensure the basis for any findings or violations is clearly understood
- They respond to licensee incidents and provide plant-specific expertise to NRC senior management to provide essential input for the NRCs response to an event
- They interact with licensee personnel, local government, senior NRC leaders and the public on a regular basis to bring awareness to important issues and enhance public confidence.
- They perform inspections at other sites to enhance objectivity
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Quotes from current or former employees in this position:
"Every day, for the last 15 years I’ve been able to make a tangible difference through my role at the NRC. By ensuring the safety and reliability of our nuclear facilities, I contribute to the well-being of the community and the environment. It's more than a job—it's a commitment to public service and a better future."
"We have such a profound impact on safety as resident inspectors. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the results from our engagement in our daily walkdowns, our inspections and response to events."
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- Incumbents are skilled analysts and technical evaluators.
- They must have effective oral and written communication skills.
- Incumbents are skilled in dealing with controversial situations involving licensee compliance that must be handled with tact and diplomacy.
- They have a knowledge of the principles, theories and practices found in the fields of engineering or physical science gained through education or experience or some combination of both.
- Resident Inspectors have the ability to stay focused and calm during actual reactor events and site emergency exercises/drills, often providing timely and accurate technical information to senior-level agency management during stressful times.
- Their experience includes a thorough knowledge of the systems and operating characteristics of power reactors.
Resident Inspectors are currently at the grade GG-13
Resident Inspectors are on a different pay scale as compared with the rest of the NRC
- Incumbents plan the scope of inspections to obtain sufficient information through direct observation and verification of licensee activities.
- Conducts assigned inspection activities to assess the performance and safety of assigned nuclear power reactor facility.
- Participates as a team member in inspections of reported problems, incidents, abnormal conditions, or allegations involving or pertaining to nuclear facilities
- Assists the SRI in continually evaluating overall licensee performance and recommends regional action on areas requiring special attention.
- Observes and evaluates licensee performance to assure compliance with NRC regulations, license provisions, technical specifications, orders, and applicable industry codes and standards.
- Recommends enforcement action to SRI and regional management when inspection findings indicate a violation of the license or NRC rules and regulations.
- Communicates both orally and in writing with a variety of audiences.
- Prepares written products such as inspection reports, briefing packages, correspondence with the public, and ROP feedback forms.
- Provides feedback and individual contribution to headquarters, regional, and divisional programs and processes, and identifies opportunities for improvement in organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Intellectual curiosity
- Planning ability
- Attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Effective listening ability
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to self-manage
- Research ability
- Organizational skills
- Analytical and evaluative abilities
- Knowledge in the general educational field of engineering or physical science
- Knowledge of the NRC inspection program for operating power reactors
- Knowledge of agency policies, rules, and regulations relative to safe operation of facilities
Resident Inspectors begin their careers in the Resident Inspector Development Program at one of our
four regional offices. Candidates for Resident Inspector opportunities can be found in the following types of NRC jobs:
- Engineer
- Physical Scientist
View Current NRC Vacancies and explore the possibilities!
For more information about the program, check out the resident inspector program page.
