DATA SCIENTIST

Duties

- Responsible for applying scientific methods and skills to formulate and execute experiments, studies, and analyses based on integrated big data for NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions.

- Conceives, develops, and employs descriptions of response to threats on the Homeland. Serves as one of the commands' experts on the employment of existing, and potential future response options to adversary threats to the homeland.

- Serves as a command liaison for Joint Staff and other Department of Defense Initiatives. Supports the development and integration of activities within the Joint Staff and other Department of Defense initiatives, a principal source of resources and analyses crucial to NORAD and USNORTHCOM planning and operations.

- Represents the command on defense-wide and intra-agency committees, study groups, and briefing teams.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required. Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• 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 posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program. Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume. Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Student Loan Repayment may be authorized. Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• 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.
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or (CONT)
• involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. A favorable suitability determination is required before appointment.
• This position is designated by the Air Force 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 is to refrain from use of illegal drugs (CONT)
• and if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
• The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP. This position is eligible for situational telework, which is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility.
• This is a KEY position IAW 32 CFR, Part 44 Appendix A and DoD Directive 1200.7. A Key Position is a federal position that cannot be vacated during a war, national emergency, or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability (CONT)
• of the parent Federal Agency to function effectively. Applicants for positions designated as "Key" positions who do not agree to this condition shall not be extended an offer of employment. The employee must be removed from the Ready Reserve (CONT)
• and CANNOT become a member of the Ready Reserve while assigned to this position. Employee may be required to work and/or be "on call" after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends or holidays.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty.
• Duties may entail visits to NORAD and USNORTHCOM mission locations, which may be in harsh environments (the Arctic) and access to which is often physically constrained.
• In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
• This is an Obligated Position in which an employee has return rights. Upon the employee's return, incumbent may be required to vacate this position. When an obligated position is filled, the selected employee is required to sign (CONT)
• an agreement acknowledging that (s)he is aware of the obligation and accepts the fact that (s)he may be displaced under reduction in force procedures at a later time.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the 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:
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 above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes experience of DoD defense systems, dedicated sensor systems, and communications, command, and control system operating principles and employment techniques. Demonstrated skill in applying that knowledge to complex analytical and technical projects. Expertise in data science and analysis research techniques and concomitant ability to obtain information concerning subject studies to perform sound analyses. Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency, or program criticality. Ability to design, build, and use very complex, sophisticated techniques to simulate real-world environments of many variables.
NOTE: Your resume must support the response you select.

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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 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:

1. Knowledge of a broad range of data integration, data management, artificial intelligence, machine learning operations, and research techniques applicable to operations, resourcing, and information processes.

2. Knowledge of a broad range of quantitative techniques and methods to resolve the most difficult problems within the defense community and the skills to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts.

3. Ability to apply statistical analysis to develop, adapt, modify, and apply data integration and management activities to solve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions for management.

4. Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies. Ability to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.

5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques. Ability to design, build and use models and simulation techniques.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, negotiate complex issues, and maintain good working relations.

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.

Education

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 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 .

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click .