DATA SCIENTIST

Duties
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• Uses expert knowledge of and the application of data analytics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific principles, methods, and techniques.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge in the areas of business needs, domain knowledge, analytical skills, and software and systems engineering to manage the end-to end data processes in the data life cycle.
• Builds analytical, econometric and/or statistical models for various problems inclusive of projections, classification, clustering, pattern analysis, sampling, simulations, etc.
• Generates actionable insights applying advanced statistical techniques, for example, predictive statistical models and simulations, segmentation analysis, customer profiling, analysis, survey design, and data mining.
• Collaborates with other data analytics team members to communicate obstacles and findings to relevant stakeholders in an effort to improve decision-making and drive business performance.
• Conducts a thorough and rigorous security impact analysis for all DFAS data analytics.
• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for data engineering, data science and/or Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning domains on the Advana platform for DFAS.
• Provides technical coaching and development to junior engineers and data scientists. Establishes best practices for section success.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen or National
• Background or Security Investigation - Position Sensitivity and Security Levels may vary and is dependent upon position being filled - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
• The incumbent of this position will be required to be physically on-site full-time, regular telework is not authorized for this position.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

This position has a positive education requirement. To qualify for this position you must meet one of the basic requirements described below:

A. 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

B. 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.

You MUST send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement listed above, one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade is required.

To be hired at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of a GS-12 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• GS-13 Specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level is defined as: Developing data models for evaluation, identification, collection, and analysis of all data used to support projects or programs; selecting the appropriate data collection techniques for program analysis from various sources; collecting and analyzing data, and displaying data for analysis to draw conclusions. Utilizing data engineering and/or data science techniques to enhance business solutions, standardize data and deliver data payloads timely and accurately. Knowledge of AI/ML techniques.

To be hired at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of a GS-13 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

• GS-14 Specialized experience is defined as: Designing and developing of data analytics/science related products; conducting analysis using software and/or programming languages such as QLIK, Python, PHP or SAS to test hypotheses and predict outcomes; and applying statistical theories, techniques, and methods to gather, analyze, interpret, and/or report quantified information. Deploys AI/ML and data science solutions beyond the team level that enhances operations and delivers positive results. Demonstrates beyond novice knowledge of data science techniques and technologies to include cluster analysis, data cleansing, machine learning models, databricks or other tools and techniques.

Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

Education is not Substitutable for Experience for both the GS-13 and GS-14 levels.

Additional information

• In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
• Moving expenses may be paid.
• The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here .
• Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
• Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
• This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
• Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
• Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
• PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
• A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Travel requirement is Seldom.
• This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance.(See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here )
• The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
• Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.