Data Scientist Job

Vacancy No. 27-PW-01520-13089293-DHA Department Department of Energy Headquarters
Salary $89,508.00 to $154,280.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/14/2026 Close Date 10/23/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Folsom, CALakewood, COBILLINGS, MOSalt Lake City, UT


Data Scientist

Department of Energy
Department of Energy Headquarters
Immediate Office of the HR Director, PMA SSC (20000)

Summary

This position is part of the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer - Power Marketing Administration HR Shared Service Center, Department of Energy. As a Data Scientist, you will drive strategic workforce solutions by developing advanced analytical models and providing data-driven counsel to management on Human Resource optimization and planning.


**This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at one of the duty location(s) identified.**

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Duties

As a Data Scientist, you will:

  • Lead the strategic vision and execution for HR analytical tool development and deployment.
  • Design and implement advanced workforce predictive and analytical tools.
  • Develop scalable automated reporting pipelines, high-fidelity dashboards, and custom platforms that inform strategic recommendations for complex workforce challenges.
  • Conduct comprehensive studies in workforce planning, position management, and strategy development, leveraging advanced predictive, prescriptive, and diagnostic analytics to uncover insights, forecast trends, and simulate policy impacts.
  • Provide expert technical assistance and guidance on advanced data analysis, statistical techniques, experimental design, and effective utilization of new data science tools.
  • Lead engagements with various personnel across DOE, Human Capital, and the PMAs to identify advanced analytical techniques and methods for workforce planning and strategy.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.

Qualifications

To be found qualified, you must meet the basic requirement AND minimum qualification requirements for the grade level(s) in which you apply.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:
You must meet one of the following:

  1. 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

  2. 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.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:


For the GS-12: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as (Must meet 3 of 4 Statements):

  1. Analyzing structured HR or organizational datasets using basic statistical or computational techniques to identify trends, patterns, or issues supporting workforce decisions.
  2. Cleaning, transforming, and preparing datasets for analysis, dashboards, or model development using analytical software or programming tools such as Python, R, SQL, or similar platforms.
  3. Developing written summaries, data visualizations, or analytical reports that communicate findings clearly to HR specialists, supervisors, or other internal stakeholders.
  4. Using analytical tools or scripts to automate standard reporting processes or support the development of basic analytical products.

For the GS-13: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as (Must meet 3 of 5 Statements):
  1. Designing, developing, and validating advanced analytical models such as predictive, prescriptive, or causal models to address complex workforce or organizational challenges.
  2. Leading the development, automation, and deployment of analytical tools, dashboards, or data pipelines that integrate large, complex, or multi-source HR datasets to support strategic decision-making.
  3. Conducting comprehensive workforce studies or program evaluations using advanced statistical, computational, or experimental design methods to measure program effectiveness or forecast future workforce needs.
  4. Preparing and delivering executive-level briefings, scientific analyses, or technical documentation that explain methods, model performance, or strategic implications to senior leaders and cross-agency stakeholders.
  5. Providing expert guidance on topics such as data governance, ethical modeling, data privacy, or analytical best practices to ensure compliance with federal HR policies and regulatory requirements.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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, including volunteer experience.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.

Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".

Additional information

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
  • The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
  • This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
  • Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.

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.

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.

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. Learn 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.

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Data Scientist positions in the 1560 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply under the DHA process.

Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).

USAHire: To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices will review your two page resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


Career Transition Assistance Programs: If you are eligible for career transition assistance, such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the Education and Qualification requirements to be referred for consideration.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/23/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13089293

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  • Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

PMA Careers
Email
PMACareers@wapa.gov
Address
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer - Power Marketing Administration HR Shared Service Center
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

Department of Energy Headquarters

Look no further, join the Power Marketing Administration HR Shared Service Center today!


The Power Marketing Administration Human Resources Shared Service Center (PMA HR SSC) is a strategic partner in building the human capital strength of DOE's Power Marketing Administrations. We care for and maximize the potential of our greatest asset-our employees-by aligning with client vision to provide the full range of human capital management functions. We energize almost 2,000 Federal employees (in the AD, WB, and GS pay plans) located across the United States. Our clients include Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA), Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). Based on a knowledge of the business, we proactively seek HR solutions and approaches to meet mission need.

Agency contact information

PMA Careers
Email
PMACareers@wapa.gov
Address
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer - Power Marketing Administration HR Shared Service Center
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
US