Operations Research Analyst

Clarification from the agency

U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response works to strengthen the security and resilience of the U.S. energy sector from cyber, physical, and climate-based risks and disruptions.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As an Operations Research Analyst at the GS-14 level, you will:

• Initiate, design, perform, and document analysis assignments related to current and projected studies and projects within the energy sector, scientific research, and national security, applying innovative analytical techniques.
• Evaluate new technologies and policies, and develop/maintain models and simulation techniques, and computer programs to enhance operations research tools and provide guidelines for other analysts.
• Serve as a project leader, overseeing project planning, team coordination, and communication for research and development projects, including defining objectives, selecting databases, executing analysis, and disseminating findings.
• Offer expert analysis and technically authoritative guidance on mathematical, statistical, economic, and other analysis projects, advising high-level managers on the effects of different policies and options.
• Originate new programs, techniques, studies, and approaches, as well as innovative mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and approaches to accomplish assigned projects.
• Prepare and disseminate comprehensive reports of study results through various venues, including publications, journals, and presentations at professional meetings.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• GS-14: You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
• This position has been designated as Critical Sensitive/High Risk and requires a security clearance at Q Access. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• Occasional travel maybe required.

Qualifications

GS-13 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 GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the following 3:

1. Designing and conducting complex analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and modeling techniques to investigate significant problems or evaluate various solutions.
2. Managing or contributing to the planning and execution of analytical projects, including defining project scope, selecting methods, and coordinating tasks to achieve project objectives.
3. Developing and applying quantitative models and simulation tools to analyze intricate systems, forecast outcomes, or assess performance for decision-making purposes.

GS-14 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 GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

1. Develop or validate models and simulation tools for forecasting, optimization, or evaluating system performance.
2. Lead or manage the full lifecycle of analytical projects, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, executing analysis, and interpreting results.
3. Initiate, design, and perform comprehensive analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and/or econometric methods.

"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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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 Operations Research Analyst positions in the 1515 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 do 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).

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

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Modeling and Simulation
• Problem Solving
• Research
• Technical Competence
• Writing

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.

Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (07/30/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13000837

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).
• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
• 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. Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.

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