DATA SCIENTIST (STRATEGY/ POLICY/ PLANS)

Duties

• Provides subject matter expertise in planning, designing, developing, and implementing novel, state-of-the-art data science applications, models, technologies, and guiding principles for data use and analysis in direct support of N&NC's mission, campaigns, and programs.
• Leverages the latest data science innovations in alternative data sourcing, such as the use of administrative records and other data sources.
• Evaluation and Assessment of New Technologies.
• Represents the directorate at meetings, conferences and other forums as an expert consultant and advisor on data science.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• This position has been designated as Critical Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance as a condition of employment
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• This position is designated as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent must submit to pre-employment and random urinalysis testing.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY).
• Employee may be required to work and/or be "on call" after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends or holidays and is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty during exercises, crises, or contingencies.
• A nationally recognized professional certification in Data Science, Data Analytics, or a directly related sub-field; and professional experience in operations research or computer science is highly desirable.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• May be required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercise and Real-World events.
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-11: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of a broad range of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures to plan, coordinate, and execute studies of marked difficulty and responsibility. Knowledge and familiarity with data modeling, query authoring and performance tuning with an in depth understanding of data modeling best practices, relational and graph databases to perform a full range of specialized duties. Knowledge of analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques to provide expert judgments concerning the validity of assumptions made and the criteria to evaluate alternatives.
OR
EDUCATION: Meet basic requirement and have 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

GS-12: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes using professional knowledge of a broad range of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures to plan, coordinate, and execute studies of marked difficulty and responsibility. Professional knowledge and familiarity with data modeling, query authoring and performance tuning with an in depth understanding of data modeling best practices, relational and graph databases to perform a full range of specialized duties. Applying knowledge of analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques to provide expert judgments concerning the validity of assumptions made and the criteria to evaluate alternatives. Working with large and complex data sets and performing extensive analysis of volumes of data and designing and delivering frameworks to facilitate the data development lifecycle and design, implementation integration and maintenance of the pipeline and data warehouse and transitions to cloud-based data solutions. Utilizing knowledge of information systems security principles and concepts in order to ensure all data analytics efforts are conducted in accordance with information security best practices.

GS-13: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes having professional knowledge and mastery of a broad range of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures to provide data-focused and data-informed inputs to Directorate senior leaders. Using professional knowledge and expertise in data modeling, query authoring and performance tuning with an in-depth understanding of data modeling best practices, relational and graph databases to advise on the directorate's needs to advance future capabilities. Knowledge of advanced, analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques to provide expert judgments concerning the validity of assumptions made and the criteria to evaluate alternatives. Working with large and complex data sets and performing extensive analysis of volumes of data and designing and delivering frameworks to facilitate the data development lifecycle and design, implementation integration and maintenance of the pipeline and data warehouse and transitions to cloud-based data solutions. Extensive knowledge and mastery of research techniques and concurrent ability to obtain information concerning subject studies and perform sound analyses. Applying knowledge of information systems security principles and concepts in order to ensure all data analytics efforts are conducted in accordance with information security best practices. Coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency, or program criticality.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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:
GS-11/12/13
1. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to conceptualize, develop, adapt, modify and apply new models to resolve the most difficult problems and to achieve support for alternative solutions within the scientific community.
2. Knowledge and skill of a broad range of defense department or private sector C4 systems, data, scientist Big Data analytics, machine learning, AI, cognitive science, programs, operations, strategies, tactics, resource and information processes, force structure, and weapons systems. Includes operations research analysis techniques and mastery of scientific and analytical capabilities.
3. Skill in articulating and negotiating very complex and sensitive issues with officials of diverse perspectives and often with different or opposing views. Expert ability to negotiate and defend findings and gain support for new program concepts.
4. Skill in constructively engaging in and influencing advanced study teams composed of industry, government, and academic experts; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
5. Skill to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build and use models and simulation techniques.
6. Ability to identify opportunities for employing data science tools and application to enable operational and strategic planning in direct support of a combatant command level organization's mission and programs.

Education

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click .

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