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Operations Research Analyst

Department of Energy
Department of Energy - Agency Wide
This job announcement has closed

Summary

A successful candidate in this position will provide expert analysis and technical authority to originate and perform mathematical, statistical, economic, and/or other analyses project pertaining to the energy sector or a sub-sector of it and to maintain and enhance models in simulation studies.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/19/2020 to 06/29/2020
Salary
$121,316 to - $157,709 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
few vacancies in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Infrequent travel to conferences.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14 - Position at full performance level
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
TN-20-EI-00903-DE
Control number
571446600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. C

Duties

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As an Operations Research Analyst, you will:

  • Initiates, develops, designs, performs and documents a broad range of analyses assignments involving current and projected pricing, production, supply and distribution patterns, conditions and problems pertaining to energy. Evaluates impacts of new technologies, systems, and policies. Documents study purposes, methods, assumptions, and conclusions, and briefs officials.

    Acquires sufficient parametric knowledge of subjects to perform sound, authoritative analyses. Obtains, compiles, organizes, and analyzes data. Applies analytical techniques in innovative ways. Selects critical elements of real world systems for inclusion in models and applies analytical techniques in innovative ways.
  • Duty 2:  Monitors and conducts studies important to agency decision-makers. Originates new programs, techniques, studies, and approaches in assigned subject areas. Analyzes in innovative ways effects of different policies and policy options and advises high level managers of positive and negative effects of the different policies and policy options. Monitors, evaluates, and coordinates projects and studies carried out under contract and by other Analysts. Briefs study sponsors and high level officials on progress and conclusions of studies
  • Duty 3:  Develops and maintains models and simulation techniques and scenarios for use in current and future energy studies. Selects critical elements of real world systems for inclusion in models. Plans, designs, conducts, and oversees tests to validate models. Develops parameters for optimum sample sizes and sources of data appropriate for studies. Writes or adapts computer programs for models being developed. Develops new methods and approaches to serve as guidelines for other analysts to follow.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.
  • Resume and question responses must be submitted online.
  • May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

You must submit an unofficial or official transcripts by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.   Note:  Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

  • If selected, you will be required to provide official copies of all transcripts.
  • Required to file an OGE form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and as necessary to meet regulatory guidelines.
  • Position is covered under a bargaining unit.
  • Telework is in accordance with agency policy and at the supervisor's discretion.
  • You must submit all application paperwork by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-13) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

  • Developed and maintained models and simulation techniques and scenarios for energy studies
  • Coordinated projects and studies to advise high level managers of positive and negative effects of the different policies policy options, and economic trends
  • Wrote or adapted computer programs for models being developed.
  • Planned, designed, conducted, and had or assisted with overseeing tests to validate models.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!

  1. KSA 1

    Mastery of one or more specialized areas of operations research sufficient to apply new analytical developments, methodologies and research findings to broad studies of an unprecedented nature.

  2. KSA 2 

    Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency or program criticality.

  3. KSA 3

    Ability to use advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of operations research and related sciences and disciplines.

  4. KSA 4 

    Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, information sources, project team members and professionals in other organizations.

  5. KSA 5  Skill in articulating and negotiating very complex and sensitive issues with officials of diverse perspectives and with different, sometimes opposing views.
  6. KSA 6 

    Expert knowledge of complex subjects and industrial operations and practices under study so that conclusions reflect real world environments.

  7. KSA 7 

    Ability to design and build very complex sophisticated models and to use very complex, sophisticated models to simulate real world environments of many variables.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:  A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in operations research; or a degree with at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must meet the specialized experience listed under "Qualifications" section.


EDUCATION:

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

You MUST submit documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

EEO Policy: https://www.eeoc.gov/federal/fed_employees/index.cfm
Reasonable Accommodation Policy:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/reasonable-accommodations/
Veterans Information: https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans-preference/ 

Telework:  www.telework.gov

Selective Service Registration: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/fair-and-transparent/selective-service/

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to ensure you have been placed into the appropriate quality category.

Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (when applicable), and training as described in your resume and applicant assessment. Your credentials are measured against the established duties of the position at the grade level(s) being advertised.

The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified", although they may differ slightly based on individual agency policy.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

If you are a Veteran Preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
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