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Data Scientist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
VACO Human Resources Service Center
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The position is located in VA Central Office, Office of Accountability & Whistleblower Protection (OAWP), Compliance and Oversight Directorate (COD), Compliance Analytics & Reporting Division (CARD). The role supports OAWP's mission and key functions essential for implementation of VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, 38 U.S.C. §§ 323(c)(1)(F) & (G). Specifically, the incumbent supports OAWP's COD and CARD through the Executive Director of COD and the Director of CARD.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
07/24/2025 to 08/04/2025
This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$124,531 to - $195,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CCLQ-12769947-25-RC
Control number
841550000

Duties

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As a Data Scientist, the incumbent writes and maintains high-performance code using Python, R, M Language and DAX, and other modern programming languages and tools to support OAWP's advanced analytics requirements. Collaborates with specialists in machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and artificial intelligence (AI) to construct product solutions and enhance the data engineering process, focusing on data wrangling, extraction, integration, analysis, and visualization. Designs, implements, and optimizes ML, DL, NLP, and AI algorithms to power product solutions and generate analytics reports. Defines, develops, and employs concepts, theories, and methodologies to address complex and undefined analytics problems. Conducts research, drafts project designs, objectives, and analysis questions; employs data collection and measurement strategies (qualitative and quantitative analysis) and applies rigorous approaches for testing compliance.

Provides input to the development of long-term organizational improvement goals, vision, objectives, and guiding principles. Develops and maintains digital solutions for data analyses, including both structured and unstructured data. Participates in the design, analysis, and deployment of advanced analytics solutions, ensuring data integrity, quality, and timeliness. Customizes technical reporting solutions to ensure precise analytical results for legislative, policy, and programmatic decisions. Independently supports CARD in recording, tracking, and confirming the implementation of recommendations from OIG, OMI, OSC and GAO as codified in 38 U.S.C. § 323(c)(1)(F). Ensures compliance with OAWP's statutory requirements under 38 U.S.C. 323(c)(1)(G), 323(f)(B)(i), and 323(f)(B)(ii). Analyzes data from the OAWP and the OIG telephone hotlines, other whistleblower disclosures and relevant audits and investigations, disaggregated by facility and/or area of VA services if appropriate; identifies trends; and writes reports to the Secretary of VA as codified in 38 U.S.C. § 323(c)(1)(G).

Identifies trends and maintains a database of national trends, relevant research and evaluation projects, and findings resulting from oversight entity reports under 38 U.S.C. § 323(c)(1)(G). Collaborates with COD's Special Reviews Division (SRD) to gather and prepare reports from diverse data sources. Interprets findings resulting from studies that are independently developed. Participates in competing analyses of data and identifies significant findings. Provides expert quantitative/qualitative analysis in compliance. Constructs and manages data pipelines, performing qualitative and quantitative analysis to provide descriptive, prescriptive, and predictive insights on accountability data. Documents the research process, findings, and implications; drafts sections of or entire reports; prepares written analysis and case summaries when appropriate. Prepares reports and briefings for agency and Departmental decisionmakers, making complex evaluation and statistical data comprehensible for nontechnical audiences.

Facilitates collaborations with internal and external stakeholders to define problems and develop implementation plans for advanced analytics capabilities. Advises management of unique conditions and issues which affect Department activities and provides guidance on the interpretation and implementation of new and revised legislation, policies, regulations and procedures. Provides input into the strategic direction and ensures the effective execution of OAWP and CARD requirements. Communicates findings and recommendations to OAWP leadership and engages in high-level discussions and decision-making processes. Visualizes data using modern tools such as Power BI and Python libraries, and custom visualizations using Python libraries such as Matplotlib and Seaborn to support findings and create compelling reports; and briefs VA leadership on insights.

Maintains competencies and training in data analytics, research/evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative measurement methods. Continuously fosters professional growth and proficiency in data analytics, research/evaluation, and advanced measurement methods. Documents research methodologies, processes, findings, and implications for future reference and organizational learning. Assists in tracking the implementation of whistleblower settlement agreements.

Performs other duties as assigned.


Work Schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. May be subjected to change based on operational needs
Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized by supervisor
Remote: Not authorized for Remote work.
Telework: May be authorized at the agency's discretion.
Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual work at a VA leased/owned space.
Position Description/PD#: 000060
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
  • Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • This position may be filled at the facility where the position is located (VA Central Office, Washington, DC) or in person - telework authorized (e.g., the employee may work at a VA facility or other VA-leased space other than the facility that is hiring the employee)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/04/2025.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. See the Required Document section below for more information regarding the SF-50s needed to verify time-in-grade.


You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: : performing proficient statistical analysis and programming in languages such as Python, R, SQL, or JavaScript to support data analysis and maintenance; demonstrating familiarity and intermediate knowledge of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms; possessing solid skills in developing digital solutions for both structured and unstructured data analysis, employing intermediate statistical methods and visualization tools like Power BI or Python libraries; having effective communication skills for drafting and presenting data analysis to stakeholders; demonstrating practical experience with data integration and analytics tools such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Lake, Azure Machine Learning, or Azure Cognitive Services; applying project management approaches like Agile methodologies; and being capable of performing data analysis, constructing data pipelines, and handling data extraction and transformation tasks to support organizational goals. Evidence of this specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of like duties performed in positions held on your resume. You will also need to provide work experience information such as hours per week, salary, and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish you have one (1) full year of specialized experience at the required grade level).
  • The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be found well-qualified, applicants must meet the following qualifications: A well-qualified candidate provides expert-level statistical analysis with proficient use of programming languages such as Python, R, M Language, DAX, JavaScript, and SQL to support predictive analytics, data visualization, data mining, analytics architecture, and infrastructure maintenance; designing and implementing advanced machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to enhance data engineering and analysis processes; developing comprehensive digital solutions for both structured and unstructured data analysis, employing advanced statistical methods and using sophisticated visualization tools such as Power BI and Python libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn) to create compelling visual analytics and reports; demonstrating exceptional communication skills by drafting and presenting complex data analysis and insights to high-level decision-makers and facilitating collaborations with internal and external stakeholders; extensive experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Lake, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure Cognitive Services for building applications, data integration, and analytics solutions; applying Agile methodologies for effective project execution, including developing and managing project plans and timelines while ensuring data integrity and quality compliance; and managing and performing advanced data analysis, constructing and maintaining robust data pipelines, and employing data extraction, transformation, and storage techniques to support organizational goals and decision-making processes.

    Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Communication
  • Computer Languages
  • Customer Service
  • Data Management
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Software Development


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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Travel may be required.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Order of referral: Eligible applicants will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  • All current, permanent VA Employees in the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
  • All other current, permanent VA employees
  • All other applicants (if status)

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