The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) offers you the opportunity to become a part of one of the most challenging and important missions facing the country today. The OIG ensures that all DHS programs and operations are carried out in the most effective, efficient and economical manner by conducting independent audits, inspections and evaluations, and investigations. In our dynamic environment, you will work side with special agents, attorneys, auditors, program analysts and IT experts to deter, identify, and address fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and waste of taxpayer funds invested in homeland security.
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) offers you the opportunity to become a part of one of the most challenging and important missions facing the country today. The OIG ensures that all DHS programs and operations are carried out in the most effective, efficient and economical manner by conducting independent audits, inspections and evaluations, and investigations. In our dynamic environment, you will work side with special agents, attorneys, auditors, program analysts and IT experts to deter, identify, and address fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and waste of taxpayer funds invested in homeland security.
As a Computer Scientist in the Digital Forensics and Analysis Unit, you will perform complex data manipulations and data mining on information present in the data warehouse by designing data structures, writing algorithms, and transforming data to identify patterns indicative of fraud within the investigative data obtained. Typical assignments include:
Writes custom software applications to ingest, clean, and analyze collected data. This can include custom classifiers and matching algorithm tailored to the data source.
Works with Audit, Inspections and other OIG stakeholders to jointly review large datasets for fraud.
Works with other law enforcement entities and intelligence agencies as the OIG representative to identify and exploit new data sources.
Participate in meetings with third part data vendors and determines effective and efficient methods to acquire and ingest third party data.
Independently ingest data sources; test, cleanse, transform and/or integrate data sources; and maintain and update (if necessary) data sources within the OIG cloud data warehouse.
Develop and maintain appropriate methods to track and document the data analytics suite, including but not limited to documentation for existing logical data models, data provenance, data quality and data security.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
You must successfully pass a background investigation
Financial disclosure is required
Selective Service registration is required.
Unofficial transcripts required.
The selectee must pass a drug test by urinalysis prior to appointment.
You must submit a copy of your Unofficial Transcripts.
Completion of one year probationary period may be required.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, OIG requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for a [indicate clearance type] as a condition of placement into this position.
Qualifications
You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 level or pay band in the federal service which has has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the GS-14 Computer Scientist position. Qualifying specialized experience performing duties such as: interpreting and applying guidelines, regulations, practices, and procedures relating to criminal investigations and evidence; analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to conduct complex reviews and evaluations; experience with commercial and government data acquisition and usage; data mining tools and techniques, including clustering and classification algorithms, data warehouse software, including file system management, middleware, business logic software and visualization source; experience planning, programming, implementing, testing and evaluating data to support data mining initiatives; programming techniques and process large (multi-tera byte) data sources; and experience with organizing, coordinating, and influencing engineering development, system design and computer simulation/modeling of data warehouses and related information systems.
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.
The qualification requirements listed above must be met by 04/05/2017of this announcement.
Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by 04/05/2017 of this announcement.
Education
In addition to meeting the basic requirements mentioned above, you must meet one of the following education requirement to be considered qualified for the position:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
Additional information
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits."
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret Security Clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information as a condition of placement into this position. This may include information that may be reviewed in investigation, e.g., a credit check [before or after] initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.]
Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the documentation that is required, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level and management approval.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:
Computers and Electronics
Oral Communication
Technical Competence
Technology Application
Writing
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and my be called for an interview.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran’s preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.)
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM’s Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of [insert score] for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
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.
1. Your resume
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire
3. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement; etc.
4. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
5. Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans? information.
6. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your:
Agency notice,
Most recent performance rating, and
Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
7. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
8. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be received by 11:59PM EST 04/05/2017. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
If you do not have access to a computer you may submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact Normica Izzard at normica.izzard@oig.dhs.gov prior to the close of this announcement.
Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington DC, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Onceyou submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
1. Your resume
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire
3. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement; etc.
4. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
5. Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans? information.
6. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your:
Agency notice,
Most recent performance rating, and
Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
7. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
8. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be received by 11:59PM EST 04/05/2017. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
If you do not have access to a computer you may submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact Normica Izzard at normica.izzard@oig.dhs.gov prior to the close of this announcement.
Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington DC, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Onceyou submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
