Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy. Bargaining unit for this position varies. Some positions are represented by NAGE, R1-195.

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The Operation Research Analyst:

• Responsible for the development of data collection strategies and tools of data elements.
• Determines data sources, selects, and modifies techniques for data processing and analysis and plans the method of presentation.
• Analyzes and evaluates the organization’s processes and data and develops procedures and processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making.
• Performs life-cycle project management responsibilities, including developing project plans; developing estimates for resources; defining and tracking deliverables; monitoring work done by project team members; and reporting progress and results internally and to project sponsors.
• Prepares statements of work, lists of deliverables, budgets, and schedules for sponsor and management review.
• Regularly communicates project information to team members and solicits feedback; regularly communicates organizational goals, policies, and trends; solicits feedback and shares information; and effectively advocates the need to meet customer requirements.

The ideal candidate has experience in developing the application of operational research methodologies in support of national transportation safety in development and evaluation of major policy, strategy, and program options.

This announcement establishes an open continuous (3 month) vacancy announcement.  Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications on an as needed basis. Duty locations will vary. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule/. 

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT:  Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Varies by position and is determined by the hiring agency.  If selected, a one-year or two-year probationary period may be required.
• POSITION SENSITIVITY AND RISK: Varies by position and will be based on the position to which appointed.
• SECURITY CLEARANCE: Varies by position.  If applicable, you must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position to which appointed.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: Travel will vary by position. If the position requires travel, a government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Varies by position. If applicable,  the applicant selected is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• REMOTE WORK: Varies by position.  Remote work means the residence is the full-time official duty location. The difference in salary is determined by the locality pay in each location. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule/  If selected for a remote work position, you must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United States and sign a remote work agreement.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:

• Experience applying operations research tools and information technology and systems knowledge to decision making processes, system development methods or other operations.
• Experience contributing to reports and/or presentations.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience in applying and customizing operations research tools to improve decision making processes, system development methods or other operations within a scientific or technical field.
• Experience preparing reports and/ or presentations, and presenting results of research findings to individuals and groups such as managers, clients, professional organizations, and/or other groups and individuals.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:

• Experience designing, developing, and adapting engineering, statistical, econometric and/or other scientific methods for problem-solving and analyzing significant issues.
• Experience preparing full life-cycle projects (or tasks of large projects) and communicating progress and presenting results to a wide range of groups and individuals, including senior staff.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-14 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13 it must include:

• Experience in operations research principles and practices at the professional expert level; and working experience applying engineering, statistical, econometric and/or other scientific methods.  
• Experience identifying and developing new business opportunities for an organization that provides technical services.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-14 level; you must have experience.

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 and skill applying complex analytical, mathematical, statistical, principles and practices sufficient to plan, coordinate, and execute specialized studies of marked difficulty and responsibility; apply modeling techniques and procedures; develop mathematical algorithms; and write statical computer programs.
2. Skill in designing and performing computer simulations, analyzing data using probability statistics and trend analysis, designing sample surveys, and modifying established methods.
3. Knowledge of the project management process including developing plans and schedules; estimating resource requirements; defining milestones and deliverables; monitoring activities; evaluating and reporting on progress.
4. Ability to communicate orally and in writing with technical personnel and Federal, state, and local officials.
5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques.

For all types of consideration, 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

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

For this announcement, all applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements.  Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked.  Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.  WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.  All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume.  If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.

Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers.