Regulatory Coordinator - Rancho Seco Nuclear Facility

Purpose

Coordinates the development and implementation of a comprehensive regulatory compliance program for SMUD’s Power Generation assets. Ensures that all necessary documents meet regulatory requirements and serves as the key contact for all compliance-related interactions, both internally and with external agencies.

Nature and Scope

Oversee regulatory compliance for all power generation assets, including thermal, gas, hydro, and renewables. Provide functional expertise to ensure adherence to standards and regulations.

Key responsibilities:

• Compliance leadership: Direct, plan and monitor compliance activities across all asset types.
• Expertise and direction: Act as a subject matter expert for key regulatory bodies, including FERC, NERC, DSOD, and CEC.
• Risk management: Proactively manage compliance issues, adapting to new and revised standards for all assigned areas, including dam safety, gas pipelines, and nuclear operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

NUCLEAR

• Compliance
  
  • Ensure operations, physical protection, and security of spent nuclear fuel at the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements (10 CFR 72 and 10 CFR 73.51).
  • Manage the Access Authorization Program, including personnel background checks and security clearances.
  • Support the Rancho Seco Quality Control Program.
  • Monitor and review NRC regulations for changes and updates.
• Emergency Management and Training
  
  • Develop, maintain and update the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in compliance with NRC, state and local regulations.
  • Coordinate emergency drills and exercises, collaborating with internal and external agencies.
  • Ensure the functionality of emergency communication systems.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for emergency response with external agencies.
• Procedures and Documentation
  
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures and policies that align with NRC requirements and industry best practices.
  • Manage comprehensive documentation for personnel security, spent fuel inventory, and regulatory inspections and audits.
  • Maintain accurate and auditable records, including material history and inspection reports.
• System Performance and Corrective Actions
  
  • Lead system upgrades and modifications to ensure continued regulatory compliance.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance ISFSI system performance.
  • Identify and address deficiencies through the Corrective Action Program (CAP), including root-cause analysis.
• Performs other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in compliance, engineering, maintenance, operation, or construction activities related to power generation or relevant field.

Knowledge Of

Comprehensive understanding of hydro/dam safety, gas pipeline, NERC, and nuclear regulations, along with proficiency in project and contract management, economic and environmental analysis, and contractor oversight, and electric generation technologies.

Skills To

Interpersonal Skills

• Build and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Influence and coordinate work across departments and with external stakeholders (staff, contractors, consultants).
• Motivate and gain cooperation from diverse technical and non-technical teams.

Decision Making

• Evaluate data, identify key factors, and weigh costs/benefits to make informed decisions.
• Resolve complex, multi-priority problems across internal and external entities.

Technical Acumen

• Interpret regulations and data sources.
• Demonstrate strong technical reporting.
• Prepare statistical, analytical reports and presentations.
• Provide operational training and implement procedural/system improvements.
• Utilize relevant software, including standard office applications (SAP, Word, Excel).

Communication

• Communicate complex information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, adapting to the audience.
• Demonstrate strong communication and organizational abilities.
• Develop and deliver effective oral presentations.
• Interpret and assess verbal/written information.
• Resolve customer issues and concerns effectively.

Desirable Qualifications

• Direct experience with NRC rulemaking and regulatory compliance in spent fuel storage and ISFSI operations, or equivalent experience from military or commercial power reactor operations.
• Previous participation in emergency management planning, drills, and exercise.
• Experience developing, implementing, or managing Access Authorization Programs, including personnel background checks and security clearance.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying 10 CFR Parts 72 and 73.51 regulations and other federal/state nuclear regulatory requirements, or comparable work with procedural standards from military or commercial power reactor operations.
• Advanced knowledge of emergency communication systems and technology relevant to nuclear plant or ISFSI operations.
• Strong background in quality assurance and quality control programs for nuclear or industrial power assets, including Navy nuclear or engineering program experience.
• Demonstrated skill in maintaining accurate, audit-ready records for regulatory inspections and material history in a highly regulated environment, such as commercial nuclear facilities or on Navy nuclear vessels.
• Experience from military or commercial power reactor operations with Corrective Action Programs (CAP), root-cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions for compliance-related deficiencies. 
• Effective liaison experience with federal, state, and local agencies or regulators in compliance-related contexts.
• Advanced degree in engineering, health physics, nuclear technology, or a related field; professional certification relevant to nuclear operations (e.g., Certified Nuclear Professional) or
• Navy Nuclear Power Program completion.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Valid California Drivers License.

Physical Requirements