Data Scientist

at  US Federal Aviation Administration

BASIC 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:

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience at the FV-I, FG-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes a high level of knowledge and experience in the application of a variety of analytical / mathematical / ML techniques to large data sets and real-world advantages/drawbacks of use. Experience in applying statistical (e.g. R, Python, SQL, Java, etc.) and domain specific (e.g. SQL) computer languages to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets. Organizing and leading study teams of technical experts tasked to originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies. Experience in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiating complex issues; and maintaining good working relations. Applying advanced knowledge of and experience with aviation related data, data integration, analysis, visualization, and socialization of safety information. Identifying the methods, processes, algorithms, tools, and systems to extract and interpret findings from varied structured and unstructured data sets related to the data science life cycle.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

EDUCATION

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).

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

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

DETERMINING LENGTH OF GENERAL OR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IS DEPENDENT ON THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND FAILURE TO PROVIDE ALL OF THIS INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN A FINDING OF INELIGIBLE.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

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

Perform multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. May act as principal technical specialist, a project manager, or a team leader for large work activities.
The Data Scientist serves as a principle technical specialist, who applies professional knowledge of the domains of data engineering, computer programming (e.g. R, Python, SQL), statistical/mathematical modeling, machine learning algorithms using R and Python, and data visualization techniques and software to communicate findings and provide guidance and instructions to policymakers and nontechnical audiences.
Provides expert analytical support on a multi-functional team responsible for conducting historical and predictive analyses, developing metrics, and integrating products and work activities that directly impact objectives of the Flight Standards Service. Utilizes advanced analytical techniques, data mining, statistical analysis and mathematical modeling in the development of solutions to enhance risk based, data supported decision making processes.
Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) responsible for the planning, design, development and application of data and statistical models and methodologies for analyzing components of the aviation system and aviation safety data using advanced technologies involving large data sets.
Provides solutions to problems by testing hypothesis, training Machine Learning models to recognize patterns, discovering relationships in data and making predictions about data.
Provides guidance on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Interacts with other analysts such as Operations Research Analysts (ORA) to understand business processes, gather requirements, develop analysis methodologies, and coordinate ongoing iterative development of data products. Work may include data retrieval, preparation and analysis involving sensitive areas of aviation safety, personnel and resources, budget, or other related study areas.
Educates and empowers the organization to apply new analytical techniques and software. Performs analyses ranging from descriptive to prescriptive within the range of analytical hierarchy.
Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues but allows for considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Provides policy guidance and instruction to others, both internally and externally.
Work is reviewed on occasion, typically through status reports and at project completion, to ensure technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.
Performs other duties as they are assigned.