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Operations Research Analyst

Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Infrastructure Security Division (ISD)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Who May Be Considered:

This position is located in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Infrastructure Security Division (ISD),CISA Exercises.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
09/14/2023 to 09/15/2023
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$49,028 to - $77,112 per year

The salary range listed reflects the GS base rate (not including locality). Upon selection, the salary will be adjusted to include locality.

Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
Remote job
Yes
Telework eligible
Not applicable, this is a remote position.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
ISD-DE-12112134-23-RA
Control number
748079000

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Duties

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Joining CISA means being part of the team focused on securing the Nation's physical and cyber infrastructure against threats to public health and safety, economy, and national security; we Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow. Within CISA, the Infrastructure Security Division (ISD) focuses on protecting critical infrastructure from all hazards by managing risk and enhancing resilience through collaboration with the critical infrastructure community, which includes private sector owners, operators, and employees; state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) officials; and other federal agencies.

Visit www.cisa.gov to learn more about CISA and how you can be part of the team to Defend Today; Secure Tomorrow.

In this position, you will serve as an Operations Research Analyst within the ISD's CISA Exercises Program Management Office (PMO) Branch. The professional selected for this role will assist in CISA Exercises' data analysis and reporting function to ensure the findings, trends, and best practices from individual exercises are aggregated into the larger body of knowledge and communicated in various forms to relevant whole-of-community decision makers. Typical work assignments include:

  • Supporting exercise data collection and analysis projects and the interpretation and presentation of analytical findings and conclusions related to critical infrastructure security and resilience;
  • Assisting with analysis and meta-analysis of exercise related data and information within and across various customer segments to produce concise and easily digestible analytical reports to inform future exercises and drive requirements for other risk mitigating programs;
  • Assisting in translating outputs from analysis and meta-analysis of exercise data through development and delivery of professional scientific research and analytical communication products, such as reports, documents, briefings, and other materials to Agency, departmental, and other governmental and external industry stakeholders both in written and verbal forms;
  • Supporting communication of data and findings in various forms to relevant whole-of-community decisionmakers to inform future policy, resourcing, and risk mitigation decisions and programmatic requirements at all levels;
  • Providing expertise in mathematical, statistical, and other analytical techniques and methodologies and applying these methodologies to highly specialized programs affecting CISA's mission areas;
  • Supporting identification of advances in statistical and analytical processes and methods and presentation of data and supporting formulation of recommendations to enhance program effectiveness based on available data; and
  • Assisting in the preparing decision papers, reports, and analyses on program activities for senior officials and policy makers.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required.
  • Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/
  • All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
  • 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.
  • This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISA's Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. After appointment, you may be subject to periodic random drug testing.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a NON-SENSITIVE/LOW RISK PUBLIC TRUST security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).
  • Interviews and a writing sample may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview or writing sample may result in removal from further consideration. The interview process may consist of in-person or phone panel interview.

Qualifications

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required education and experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements for the GS-1515 Series AND Qualification requirements as listed below in order to be considered.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL GRADES:
A. 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 MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET EITHER THE FOLLOWING SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OR EDUCATION TO SUBSTITUTE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED:

You qualify for the GS-09 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties:

  1. Assisting in research by collecting relevant data and information from varied and sometimes difficult to access sources though application of knowledge of academic and publicly and commercially available data and information repositories;
  2. Applying qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques to develop and evaluate solutions by assisting in identifying, defining, and analyzing problems; and
  3. Assisting in the preparation of written products to communicate analytical results and findings.
OR
EDUCATION:
A.
Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited institution in Operations Research; OR a Master's degree with at least 24 semester hoursof courseworkin a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.
OR
B. Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree from an accredited institution that included major study in the field of study described in statement "A" above.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then determine your education as a percentage by dividing the total number of completed graduate education beyond the first year (total graduate education minus 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) by 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.


You qualify for the GS-11 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties:
  1. Experience conducting research by applying the scientific principles, methods, and processes to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry, including study design; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; and reporting results;
  2. Applying statistical and analytical processes and methods, presenting data, and drawing conclusions based on available data;
  3. Performing analysis of medium to large sized datasets using specialized platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft SharePoint, Excel, and PowerBi; and
  4. Communicating and presenting results and scientific findings to audiences with varied professional, educational, and demographic backgrounds.
OR
EDUCATION:
A.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Operations Research; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with at least 24 semester hoursof courseworkin a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.
OR
B. Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited institution that included major study in the field of study described in statement "A" above.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then determine your education as a percentage by dividing the total number of completed graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate education minus 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) by 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE TRANSCRIPTS SUPPORTING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BY CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

For positions with an education requirement such as this one, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

If you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

Education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements. You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

Additional information

  • Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level of GS-12.
  • One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
  • Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses WILL NOT be paid.
  • Other incentives may be authorized.
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
  • This position has been designated EXCLUDED from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 U.S.C. 7112(B)(6).
  • The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum base pay up to maximum base pay. The salary will be adjusted to include the locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule (GS) locality pay tables for all areas may be found on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at: Salaries & Wages.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Shared Certificate: When CISA completes their selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like your name, application materials, and assessment results shared to be considered for employment with other DHS Component agencies. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Analysis
  • Knowledge Management
  • Oral and Written Communication
  • Research
  • Teamwork and Cooperation
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Category Rating Procedures: If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
  1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
  3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not I/CTAP eligible. View information about I/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under I/CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position IS considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on https://www.fedshirevets.gov

To preview the application questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12112134

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