These positions support the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW) or the Northern Research Station (NRS) performing mathematical and statistical work: consultation, collaboration, and training related to mathematical statistical analysis; experimental and study design; and adaptation of mathematical tools, methods, techniques, and theories of inference and probability applied to statistical processes.
More info:
PNW: Elizabeth.Dent@usda.gov
NRS: Elizabeth.B.Larry@usda.gov
Summary
These positions support the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW) or the Northern Research Station (NRS) performing mathematical and statistical work: consultation, collaboration, and training related to mathematical statistical analysis; experimental and study design; and adaptation of mathematical tools, methods, techniques, and theories of inference and probability applied to statistical processes.
More info:
PNW: Elizabeth.Dent@usda.gov
NRS: Elizabeth.B.Larry@usda.gov
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
Consultant and technical expert for various large-scale research projects.
Emphasis on survey and monitoring design, experimental design, model selection, and model-building, quality assurance and quality control, error propagation, and simulation techniques
Advises on how best to handle graphical displays of scientific data for publication in multiple media, including scientific publications, scientific presentations and/or web display.
Analyzes the accuracy and validity of data, determines if planned operations and processes are appropriate and recommends improvements for collecting and analyzing empirical and modeled data.
Uses Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and/or R statistical software to develop and conduct statistical computing involving data management, time series modeling, seasoned adjustment and demographic forecasting or similar technical analyses.
Communicates complex technical issues to a variety of audiences through presentations, training and professional publications.
Writes technical reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts to disseminate the results of research and participates as a co-author or author for publications.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
This position is remote eligible. You will be required to sign a remote work agreement and be responsible for ensuring the approved remote worksite has adequate internet service, connectivity, and other general utility costs at your own expense
Work Experience: Your resume must clearly document the following for each block of work experience; the beginning day, month and year the work assignment started and ended; the hours worked per week; position title, and series and grade if applicable; and description of duties performed. Provide this information for each appointment/work assignment or volunteer work and document each as a separate block of time. Incomplete, inaccurate or conflicting work history may not be credited for qualifications purposes and you may lose consideration for the position. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Provide graduate and undergraduate transcripts. Provide university course descriptions to clarify content of coursework as necessary.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service. To qualify at this grade level, your resume must reflect the following.
Applying proficiency in R software and programming and a wide range of complex statistical procedures, quantitative analyses, and complex sample designs to biological, physical, and social problems in forest and watershed ecosystems including incorporating quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices.
AND
Collaborating with researchers to evaluate the statistical properties of study and sampling designs or analytical plans and suggest modifications or improvements and assisting researchers in the execution and interpretation of statistical tests.
GS-13: One year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service. To qualify at this grade level, your resume must reflect the following.
Applying proficiency in R software and programming and a wide range of complex statistical procedures, quantitative analyses, QA/QC, and complex sample designs to biological, physical, and social problems in forest, rangeland, or watershed ecosystems;
Consulting, advising, mentoring, and collaborating with researchers to create programs of work designed consistently across elements to achieve defensible outcomes;.
Performing comprehensive evaluation of the statistical properties of complex designs or analytical plans and providing advice for modifications or improvements;
Assisting researchers in the execution and interpretation of statistical tests; response to peer reviews; and effectively translating analytical results to broad audiences through data visualization, interpretation, presentation, and publication.
Evidence of qualifying experience will show:
Mastery of mathematical and statistical procedures at a comprehensive professional level including knowledge of sample design; survey and monitoring design; linear and nonlinear regression procedures (e.g. especially in the context of hierarchical models; generalized linear models and mixed models), including repeated measures analysis; experimental design concepts including randomization, blocking, confounding of effects, nesting and multiple levels of experimental units; response surface methodology; and analysis of variance techniques needed to analyze, consult and advise on classical experimental designs and observational studies, as well as awareness of more complicated analysis techniques.
Knowledge of non-parametric methods, categorical data analysis, multivariate analysis, Bayesian methods, machine learning (e.g. Random Forest analysis for classification and regression), and stochastic processes. Ability to modify established methods, design sample surveys and/or laboratory experiments, analyze survey, experimental, or observational data, and apply a variety of statistical tools and methods to understand underlying variation as it relates to forestry, rangeland, watershed, or social science research topics. Familiarity with spatial statistics, geostatistics, and time series methods preferred.
Detailed knowledge of major statistical and graphical packages available on at least one major operating system (e.g., Windows systems); thorough knowledge of scientific computing systems and methods; and demonstrated proficiency in R software and programming (and other commonly used packages such as SAS, Stata, SPSS) in combination with analytical, statistical, and mathematical knowledge.
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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education is required to qualify for these positions. See above for requirements.
Additional information
LOCATION INFORMATION: The NRS position's duty location is located within the NRS geographic area and will be negotiated after selection. Potential office locations include Durham, NH; Baltimore, MD; Delaware, OH; Falcon Heights, MN; and Madison, WI. Routine telework is possible, as well as a remote worksite within the NRS footprint. Link to map of NRS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/nrs/about
Remote worksite for PNW must be within 50 miles of a PNW lab or station. Here are the links:
PNW Research Station: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw
PNW Research Labs: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations
Anchorage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/anchorage
Corvallis: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/corvallis
Fairbanks: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/borealecology
Juneau: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/juneau
La Grande: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/forestryrange
Olympia: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/olympia
Portland: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw
Seattle: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/seattle
Wenatchee: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/pnw/labs/locations/wenatchee
Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given a new appointment.
This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement. Remote work employees are expected to work at an approved remote worksite, typically the employee's residence, on a regular and continuing basis.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is not guaranteed.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This is a Direct-Hire Authority announcement. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official. Before a certificate is issued to the selecting official, your resume and transcripts are reviewed to ensure that you meet all the qualification requirements. A rating will not be used; veteran's preference does not apply due to the existence of the Direct Hire authority for this position.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday - Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click "Apply" and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes:1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Please view Tips for Applicants - a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday - Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click "Apply" and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
