Operations Research Analyst (Data Scientist)
Who may apply: United States Citizens
Vacancies may be located at either DFAS-Columbus, OH, DFAS-Cleveland, OH, DFAS-Indianapolis, IN, DFAS-Alexandria, VA, DFAS-Limestone, MA, or DFAS-Rome, NY
The General Schedule (GS) basic pay schedule may vary by geographic locality. To view pay rates in a specific location visit the Office of Personnel Management pay tables at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/
Responsibilities
- Develops mathematical, and/or statistical models for evaluation, identification, collection, and analysis to support projects or programs.
- Research analyses of technical methods and procedures for a project or area of investigation.
- Analyzes data from diverse sources in diverse forms to include computerized statistical files, manual or automated program reporting systems and ad hoc information from inter/external sources.
- Utilizes variety of quantitative analyses, operations research tools and techniques and other appropriate quantitative methodologies to identify factors that affect the research investigation.
- Develops reports and presentations that are concise, simple and convincing to translate technical analyses into business applicable material.
- For vacancies filled at less than the full performance level of the position, duties will be developmental in nature.
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S Citizen or National
- Background or Security Investigation - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
- Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
- Suitable for Federal employment
- Time after Competitive Appointment: Candidates must have served 3 months after latest competitive appointment in the Federal service.
- This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
- A two year probationary or trial period may be required.
Qualifications
Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe this in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.
Basic Requirements: Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
You may need to send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-05 for GS-07 level; GS-07 for GS-09 level; GS-09 for GS-11 level; GS-11 for GS-12 level) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
To be hired at the GS-7 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and
responsibility to that of a GS-05 within the federal service, which
demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized experience is defined as utilizing basic mathematical and statistical
theories to extract data; applying routine data processing and procedures to
evaluate programs and carry out projects; and provide support in designing and
developing studies.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-7 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One
full year of graduate level education or Superior Academic Achievement (Grade
point average of a 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale or class standing in the upper third
of the graduating class or major subdivision) or membership in a national
scholastic honor society may be substituted to meet the specialized experience
requirement.
To be hired at the GS-9 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the
federal service analyzing, organizing and interpreting data collected from studies;
assisting in developing reports to communicate findings; and utilizing
mathematical and statistical analysis to evaluate program efficiencies.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-9 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: A
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level
graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. may be substituted to
meet the specialized experience requirement. Such education must demonstrate
the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Equivalent
combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience
may be used to meet total experience requirements.
To be hired at the GS-11 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the
federal service assisting with application of mathematical and statistical theories
and techniques to plan and organize data collection; researching and analyzing
program issues and providing recommendations for improvement; developing data
analysis reports to relay study findings to leadership..
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-9 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: A
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level
graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. may be substituted to meet
the specialized experience requirement. Such education must demonstrate the
knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Equivalent combinations
of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used
to meet total experience requirements.
To be hired at the GS-12 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the
federal service selecting approaches and methods or developing new
procedures to resolve project issues that arise; researching, analyzing, and
providing technical advice and assistance on program issues; and
developing data analysis reports and visualizations to communicate
quantitative analysis findings.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.
This position is developmental and selections may be made at the GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-09, GS-11 and GS-12 grade levels without further competition.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.