Summary
This position is in Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Office of Financial Management (OFM) in Washington, D.C. The Data Scientist serves as the primary point of contact within the division for data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, development of requirements for finance, accounting, and budgetary reporting, and implementation of business intelligence solutions.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
ALL US CITIZENS; DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
Duties
- Conduct projects which use regression analysis, statistical analysis, modeling, machine learning, time series forecasting, and data visualization.
- Perform exploratory data analysis, identify patterns, trends, and correlations to uncover key insights that drive decision making.
- Design and create visually appealing and interactive reports, dashboards, and data visualizations to present information in a clear and concise manner.
- Assess data quality on an ongoing basis, identifying data inconsistencies or errors, and design and implement strategies for data validation and data cleansing when necessary.
- Use relevant scientific principles, methods, and processes to conduct systematic and objective inquiries; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
- Listen and engage with customers and stakeholders to understand their business needs, goals, and challenges related to data analysis, Business Intelligence, and reports.
- Collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams to achieve the objectives of the work group.
- Communicate verbally and in writing to a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels of knowledge and understanding.
- Review and evaluate relevant tools and technology to determine suitability for the organization's needs and make recommendations for implementation.
- Assist with development and execution of data conversion plans in support of system modernizations, cloud migrations, and implementation of new digital solutions for the organization.
- Assist with design of automations and other digital solutions to help improve timeliness and accuracy of reports and data analysis.
- Work in established and emerging data science tools such as, but not limited to, TOAD, ASA, R, Python, Tableau, and cloud analytics platforms.
- Represent the staff on a data governance council and provide input on data management plans and data quality plans in compliance with relevant policies.
- Apply statistical techniques to extract insights and make predictions.
- Support budget and accounting operations by designing and developing financial models to improve budget forecasting, budget planning and programming activities, and cost estimates.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/04/2024.
The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM's)Individual Occupational requirements and/or group qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found: Here
NOTE: Applicants must meet both the Individual Occupation Requirements (IOR) and the Specialized Experience as stated for the grade levels as listed below.
Basic Requirements (IOR):
A. 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.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
AND
Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the grade level GS-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Experience with using qualitative and quantitative analysis to support decision making. (2) Provides support as a member of a team in the development, modification, and utilization of applications; data analysis and interpretation. (3) Database design and development; and troubleshooting and providing guidance on the effective use of applications, data management and visualization tools, and emerging technologies.
Or applicants may substitute education for experience at grade level GS-09. See the Section on *Education* below.
To qualify for the grade level GS-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Experience in the basic application of advanced quantitative analysis with a basic proficiency in scripting and analytics tools and platforms. (2) Experience in usage reports of analytics reporting and dashboards. (3) Demonstrated experience performing qualitative and quantitative analysis to support decision making. (4) Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL), data modeling, and experience with BI tools such as Tableau and Power BI. AND (5) Experience with data mining, data manipulation, and statistical analysis techniques using tools like Excel, Python, or R.
Or applicants may substitute education for experience at grade level GS-11. See the Section on *Education* below.
To qualify for the grade level GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Developing reporting and analytics services to include but not limited to interactive reports, dashboards and data visualizations using data science methods; assessing data quality, identifying data inconsistencies/errors, and implementing strategies for data validation, which drive decision making. (2) Experience in data science, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques to deliver quality performance and product support. (3) Manage and/or perform digital solution approaches and techniques such as design automations; (4) Perform analysis of reporting and analytics services. AND (5) Professional experience working or using tools such as: Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Modeling, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Time Series Forecasting, Data Visualization, TOAD, SAS, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and cloud analytics platforms sufficient to lead and conduct advanced analytics projects.
There is no educational substitution authorized for the grade level of GS-12.
Note: 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience you document, to include volunteer experience.
Education
Education Substitution for grade level GS-09: Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade GS-9. Applicants may substitute education for experience with an awarded master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL. B or J.D.) from an accredited college or university, or two full years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. This graduate degree must meet the IOR with a degree Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field of study directly related to the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information.
OR
Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify for grade GS-09. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions, and per the IOR this education must contain courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 Semester hours) as appropriate for the position, at grade GS-9. To calculate, first identify the education you have earned beyond your first year of study as a percentage of a total of two years of study. Then identify the number of months of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100 percent in order to be qualifying. For example, an applicant who has 27 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required beyond the first 18 credit hours earned) and who has 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the one year of specialized experience required) would meet 100% and thus be qualified for the position. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-9. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information.
Education Substitution for grade level GS-11: Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade GS-11. Applicants may substitute education for experience with an awarded Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (such as an LL.M.) from an accredited college or university, or three full years (54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a doctoral degree. This graduate degree must meet the IOR with a degree Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field of study directly related to the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information.
OR
Applicants may substitute a combination of graduate education and specialized experience to qualify for grade GS-11. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions, and per the IOR this education must contain courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 Semester hours) as appropriate for the position, at grade GS-11. To calculate, first identify the education you have earned beyond your first two years of study as a percentage of a total of three years of study. Then identify the number of months of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100 percent in order to be qualifying. For example, an applicant who has 45 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required beyond the first two years) and who has 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the one year of specialized experience required) would meet 100% and thus be qualified for the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information.
Note: There is no educational substitution authorized for the grade levels of GS-12.
An unofficial or official copy of your transcripts must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
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.
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
Required Documents
Documents Required:
Transcripts are required - You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application package. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected for the position.
Resume
- Your resume may be submitted in any format, however, we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on Federal resumes.
- For qualifications determinations your resume must reflect hours worked per week, the inclusive dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not reflect this information you will not receive credit for the experience.
- If you submit more than one copy of your resume, the most recent 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. We would recommend that you not submit more than one version of your resume.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, we will not use it to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered further for the vacancy.
Documents Accepted: - DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- ICTAP/ CTAP supporting documents (if applicable)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must also submit: Here
- Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from; or
- Worker's compensation separation (agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50; or
- Disability annuity termination (notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held); or
- Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456 (certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held).
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
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
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/04/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12558299.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
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