Data Scientist

at  US DHS Headquarters

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Education Requirements:

• 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
• 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 FOR THE GS-13:

You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: 1) Utilizing specialized studies, new analytical developments, and/or modified processes to resolve obscure problems affecting program operations; 2) Developing metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and efficiency; 3) Advising senior leadership on program operations metrics and data; 4) Applying mathematical and statistical tools, models, methods, and techniques to evaluate program data.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR THE GS-12:

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: 1) Analyzing data by using probability statistics and trend analysis; 2) Executing routine studies and analyses to identify inefficiencies in program operations; 3) Performing database queries to analyze data and develop data-analytical visualizations.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
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.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

EDUCATION

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; applicant’s resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization’s interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

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

To begin your online application, click “Apply Online” to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the “Required Documents” section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, 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.
Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.

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.
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DUTIES

SI2O delivers and facilitates data and information sharing to enable insights, innovation, performance measurement and strategic decision making for the Department’s mission support operations. With a focus on data science, analytics, reporting, data and information sharing and governance, and mission support, SI2O strives to build a culture of data driven decision making and to enhance the workforce’s ability to leverage data and analytics. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Data Scientist in the SI2O Analysis Branch.

As a Data Scientist, GS-1560-12/13, your typical work assignments may include:

• Utilizing programming skills, statistics, geospatial analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data visualization and critical thinking skills.
• Utilizing statistical techniques while leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence where possible to speed analytical process and analyze the data to identify patterns and trends and interpret the data to discover solutions and opportunities.
• Providing expert guidance on data-driven strategies and methodologies.
• Enabling a culture of data and evidence-based decision making through leading the development of analytical products and services.
• Collaborating with data stakeholders across levels, including leadership within and across DHS, other federal agencies, and industry leaders on databases, data warehouses, and data lakes to ensure analytical utility of data in various applications.
• Providing tailored, rapid, and agile answers to data-related questions that do not require application development to enable novel insights into the most pressing mission requirements.
• Creating and presenting clear and impactful visualizations of data insights to diverse audiences.

This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first.
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.