Summary
The Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation Systems Center is seeking Data Scientists to support the development of data-driven programs to speed the adoption of innovative transportation technologies, policies, and practices. In particular, the employee will help to develop and apply data analysis and visualization techniques and tools in support of federal and state transportation programs.
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen.
Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
This is a Bargaining unit position represented by NAGE local R1-195.
Duties
As a Data Scientist, you will:
- Collaborate with team members, subject matter experts, or stakeholders, as needed, to identify and select relevant data sources to perform duties. Obtain, evaluate, and interpret data extracts and reports from various systems, assessing relevant data source validity and reliability to meet project needs. These datasets come from diverse sources and in diverse forms that include computerized statistical files, manual or automated program reporting systems, program files, and ad hoc information obtained from internal and external sources.
- Ensure data sources are fit for their intended purpose through assessment of potential data quality issues, such as bias in data ingestion or transmission mechanisms. Data sources commonly used in this role include financial system data, demographic data and program outcome data as well as unstructured and narrative information found in program or policy utilization reports, safety systems, economic and social indicators, environmental impacts and other qualitative and quantitative research.
- Use software and/or programming languages such as R, Python, SQI, Tableau and/or PowerBI, to transform, combine, and clean data preparation for analysis. Apply appropriate data wrangling techniques, such as probabilistic, matching and imputation of missing values, to clean and prepare imperfect datasets. Work with teams to develop suitable datasets for ad hoc and ongoing analytic uses, with an emphasis on long term automation and replicability where appropriate
- Independently analyze data leveraging suitable statistical and mathematical methodologies. Be familiar with methods of exploratory data analysis, selecting appropriate models and identifying when data is insufficient to reach valid conclusions. Conduct observational and statistical analysis using appropriate software and/or programming languages to test hypotheses, predict outcomes, and inform decisions. Be comfortable working with large semi-structured and unstructured datasets and numerous confounding variables. Solve technical problems by choosing appropriate tools and techniques. Be able to explain any data structures or quality constrains impacting the study designs to both technical and non-technical audiences.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience analyzing data to support policy and operational decisions and will contribute to project teams using outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, performing sophisticated data analysis, and developing data visualizations, online databases, and mobile applications to support research and communications initiatives. The candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, creativity, resourcefulness and organization.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
- Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
- Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
- Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
- GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
- TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position may be eligible for occasional and/or regularly scheduled telework. The number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
- POSITION SENSITIVITY AND RISK: Varies by position and will be based on the position to which appointed.
- SECURITY CLEARANCE: Varies by position. If applicable, you must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position to which appointed.
- FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Varies by position. If applicable, the applicant selected is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
- FOR DIRECT HIRE CANDIDATES: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:
- Experience using data science tools, techniques and technologies to process large, datasets into structured formats for matching, analysis, or estimation.
- Experience using data science knowledge in reviewing, formatting, analyzing, and providing information from multiple systems for data reports and projects and presenting results to individuals and groups such as managers, clients, professional organizations, and/or other groups and individuals.
To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.
To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:
- Experience using data science tools, techniques and technologies to process large, datasets into structured formats for matching, analysis, or estimation.
- Experience using data science knowledge in reviewing, formatting, analyzing, and providing information from multiple systems for data reports and projects and presenting results to individuals and groups such as managers, clients, professional organizations, and/or other groups and individuals.
You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.
To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:
- Experience applying statistical analysis to determine and/or confirming technical validity and acceptability (fitness-for-use) of new or combined data sources, machine learning outputs, and/or data science methods.
- Experience leading projects using data science tools, techniques and technologies to process large datasets into structured formats for matching, analysis, or estimation.
You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.
To qualify for the GS-14 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13 it must include:
- Experience in the designing and developing of data analytics/science related products using data science tools, techniques and technologies.
- Experience managing full life cycle data science projects, identifying technical validity and acceptability (fitness-for-use) of products and providing appropriate recommendations for utilization.
You cannot qualify on education at the GS-14 level; you must have experience.
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:
- Knowledge of data science theory and utilization sufficient to serve as a contributor in the development of analysis and the application of data science solutions to assess the safety, economic, social or environmental impacts of transportation.
- Knowledge of and skill in applying statistical theories and methods used in the acquisition, collection, evaluation, classification, and analysis of nationwide navigation data to develop new and improved method.
- Ability to support the development of algorithms, programs, relational databases and systems architecture sufficient to utilize them in the planning, development, and execution of data science applications solutions to transportation policy issues.
- Ability to acquire, update, and integrate large datasets from diverse sources to address key transportation issues.
- Skill with one or more programming languages, and one or more spatial analysis tools (Python, R, ArcGIS, SQL).
For all types of consideration, 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.
Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Basic Requirements:
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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
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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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
For this announcement, all applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements. Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants will not be rated or ranked. Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.
Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
ALL Applicants must provide a resume that fully supports the required specialized experience and was created within USA Jobs Resume Builder and respond to the vacancy questions by the closing date of the vacancy. Formatted resumes can be uploaded when you arrive at the DOT application system. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/build/
TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED if there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
- Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
- If you are applying to an engineering position and are qualifying based on possessing a current Professional Engineer (PE) license, or passing the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, please provide a copy of PE license or written documented proof of passing the EIT.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
- your most recent performance appraisal,
- the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
- your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.
For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
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.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
- To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
- Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
- You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
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