DATA SCIENTIST Job

Vacancy No. K-26-DHA-12796011-AKK Department Air Force Materiel Command
Salary $49,960.00 to $99,314.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/9/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Gunter AFB, ALMaxwell AFB, ALDavis Monthan AFB, AZEdwards AFB, CA


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is: serve as an advanced trainee, to receive on-the job training in Data Science, and to complete developmental assignments and training outlined in the formal training & development plan. This is a formal Air Force intern position, established under the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program.

Duties

1. Performs developmental assignments in support of projects assigned to higher level analysts. Performs minor phases of a larger assignment or work of moderate difficulty where procedures are established, and a number of specific guidelines exist. Applies the various steps of accepted data science procedures to search for information and perform well precedented work.

2. Performs general operations and assignments for portions of a project or study consisting of a series of interrelated tasks or problems. The employee applies judgment in the independent application of methods and techniques previously learned. The employee locates and selects the most appropriate guidelines and modifies to address unusual situations.

3. Participates in special initiatives, studies, and projects. Performs special research tasks designed to utilize and enhance knowledge of work processes and techniques. Works with higher graded specialists in planning and conducting special initiatives, studies, and projects. Assists in preparing reports and briefings outlining study findings and recommendations.

4. Prepares correspondence and other documentation. Drafts or prepares a variety of documents to include newsletter items,
responses to routine inquiries, reports, letters, and other related documents.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • A security clearance may be required. This position may require a secret, top-secret or special sensitive clearance.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • Position may be subject to random drug testing
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Student Loan Repayment may be authorized
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position
  • You will be required to serve a one year probationary period
  • Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0
  • Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft

Qualifications

INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

You may qualify if you meet one of the following:

1. GS-7: You must have completed or will complete a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's from an accredited institution AND must have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the undergraduate level in the following:
a) Grade Point Average 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum.

2. GS-9: You must have completed 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree:
a) Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc. you cannot qualify based on GPA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Professional knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and practices of data science to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures.

2. Knowledge of mathematics and analysis to perform minor phases of a larger assignment and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate factual and procedural information clearly.

3. Skill in applying basic principles, concepts, and practices of the occupation sufficient to perform routine to difficult but well precedented assignments in data science analysis.

4. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply data science rules and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend solutions to senior analysts.

5. Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.

6. Ability to plan and organize work and confer with co-workers effectively.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

For DHA Positions:
These positions are being filled under Direct-Hire Authority for the Department of Defense for Post-Secondary Students and Recent Graduates. The Secretary of the Air Force has delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to directly appoint qualified post-secondary students and recent graduates directly into competitive service positions; these positions may be professional or administrative occupations and are located Air Force-Wide. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.

*** The term "Current post-secondary student" means a person who is currently enrolled in, and in good academic standing at a full-time program at an institution of higher education; and is making satisfactory progress toward receipt of a baccalaureate or graduate degree; and has completed at least one year of the program.

*** The term "recent graduate" means a person who was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education not more than two years before the date of the appointment of such person, except in the case of a person who has completed a period of obligated service in a uniform service of more than four years.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you are unable to apply online, view the following link for information regarding Alternate Application. The Vacancy ID is

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities please click here. Subsequently, FTR Bulletin 20-04 issued by GSA, provides further information regarding NDAA FY2020, Public Law 116-92, and the expansion of eligibility beyond "transferred" for WTA/RITA allowances. For additional information, please click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For DHA Positions:
These positions are being filled under Direct-Hire Authority for the DoD for Post-Secondary Students and Recent Graduates. The Secretary of the Air Force has delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to directly appoint qualified students and recent graduates directly into competitive service positions; positions may be professional or administrative occupations and located Air Force-Wide. Positions may be filled as permanent/term with a full-time/part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
*** The term "Current post-secondary student" means a person who is currently enrolled and in good academic standing at a full-time program at an institution of higher education; and is progressing toward a baccalaureate or graduate degree; and has completed at least 1 year of the program.
*** The term "recent graduate" means a person awarded a degree by an institution of higher education not more than 2 years before the date of the appointment of such person, except in the case of a person who has completed a period of obligated service in a uniform service of more than 4 years.

Your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this Public Notice. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

  1. Online Application - Questionnaire
  2. Resume - For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/26/2025.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12796011

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

  • It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Address
Arnold AFB
100 Kindle Drive
Suite C318
Arnold AFB, TN 37389
US

Next steps

After you submit your application, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.

Additional Locations

  • Los Angeles, CA Few vacancies
  • Travis AFB, CA Few vacancies
  • Vandenberg AFB, CA Few vacancies
  • Air Force Academy, CO Few vacancies
  • Buckley AFB, CO Few vacancies
  • Cheyenne Mountain AFB, CO Few vacancies
  • Peterson AFB, CO Few vacancies
  • Schriever AFB, CO Few vacancies
  • Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, DC Few vacancies
  • Cape Canaveral AFS, FL Few vacancies
  • Eglin AFB, FL Few vacancies
  • Hurlburt Field, FL Few vacancies
  • MacDill AFB, FL Few vacancies
  • Patrick AFB, FL Few vacancies
  • Tyndall AFB, FL Few vacancies
  • Robins AFB, GA Few vacancies
  • Hickam AFB, HI Few vacancies
  • Barksdale AFB, LA Few vacancies
  • Hanscom AFB, MA Few vacancies
  • Natick, MA Few vacancies
  • Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Few vacancies
  • Andrews AFB, MD Few vacancies
  • White Oak, MD Few vacancies
  • Offutt AFB, NE Few vacancies
  • Holloman AFB, NM Few vacancies
  • Kirtland AFB, NM Few vacancies
  • Nellis AFB, NV Few vacancies
  • Rome, NY Few vacancies
  • Heath, OH Few vacancies
  • Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Few vacancies
  • Tinker AFB, OK Few vacancies
  • Arnold AFB, TN Few vacancies
  • Dyess AFB, TX Few vacancies
  • Fort Sam Houston, TX Few vacancies
  • Goodfellow AFB, TX Few vacancies
  • Lackland AFB, TX Few vacancies
  • Randolph AFB, TX Few vacancies
  • Hill AFB, UT Few vacancies
  • Arlington, VA Few vacancies
  • Dahlgren, VA Few vacancies
  • Langley AFB, VA Few vacancies
  • Pentagon, Arlington, VA Few vacancies
  • Fairchild AFB, WA Few vacancies
  • Warren AFB, WY Few vacancies


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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