data scientist Washington, DC
Job description
Duties
Leads projects using advanced analytics techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and artificial intelligence, to include the research, design, development, deployment, and enhancement of enterprise-wide analytics solutions.
Works on data management issues to include data interface and storage, as well as the application of data and statistical analysis principles, procedures, and tools such as modeling techniques, data analysis, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data disposal, and data standardization processes.
Translates complex concepts, findings, and limitations into concise, plain language, closely tying findings and conclusions into the Agency mission, original problem statement, and team objectives. Research and designs presentations and interpretations of analytical outputs tailored to specific audiences including the use of interactivity and narrative storytelling, where appropriate.
Uses appropriate analytic and statistical software to programmatically prepare data for analysis and clean imperfect data such as probabilistic matching and imputation of missing values, and translates the results of analysis into clear, actionable communications that equip decision makers to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Applies a combination of computational and machine learning methods to new or big data to identify new insights using next generation analytical tools; Conduct in-depth analysis of data and disseminate the results of those analyses; Exploring data using various means available to find insights and trends that may go undiscovered in traditional research and uses existing and new data sources to extract new information and convey that information according to the audience to the data.
Identifies, adapts, and manages changes to data analysis tools in response to evolving user needs. As the data science field is constantly evolving, the incumbent documents data definitions and issues for future reference; Develops data usage and access control policies and systems in collaboration with cybersecurity staff and partners with stakeholders in continuous improvement processes impacting data quality, performance enhancements, and overall user experience.
Research, designs, and develops user-centric interactive reports, dashboards, and visualization solutions that provide business insights to decision makers using Microsoft Power BI and other tools.
Designs, develops, and operates systems for ingesting, storing, and analyzing data at scale. Uses data parallelization techniques or streaming technologies to process data. Monitors data flows and stored datasets to make improvements to data collection and ingestion mechanisms. Ensures that data sources are fit for their intended purpose through assessment of potential bias in data ingestion and transmission mechanisms, current data quality, monitoring for incoming changes in data quality, and improvement of data quality. Recommends improvements to upstream processes to improve data quality. Performs other duties as assigned.
Writes reports that are factually supported, organized, concise, and understandable, for Office of Investigations criminal investigators and investigative analysts on the results of data mining and analytics activities, reviews the work of others performing similar work and assists others in the use of the data mining and analytics applications, including others using data mining and analytics results in the performance of audits and investigations.
Plans, organizes, conducts or coordinates advanced data analytics activities. This includes data mining initiatives, cross-checking this data with other publicly and privately available databases, conducting sophisticated link analysis, and ultimately generating productive investigative referrals for Investigative field offices and respective audit areas of focus. Coordinates and collaborates with audit on joint data analytics projects when applicable.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U. S. Citizen
- A pre-employment drug test is required
- Successful completion of a background security investigation
- You must meet the specialized experience to qualify.
- Males Born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service
- Required documents must be submitted by the closing date
- PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING: Tentatively selected candidates are required to successfully complete a pre-employment urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it’s still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
(continued under 'Other Information')
Qualifications
Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector, or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate the number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:
Basic Requirements:
- Degree: that included 15 semester hours in statistics (or in mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education, or engineering; or in the social sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, etc. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as tests and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing.
or
- Combination of education and experience - courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
GS-12 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with data science and analytical methods from conducting machine learning, Natural Language Processing, and technical procedures such as, solution design, implementation, and deployment. Experience using one or more relevant data science programming languages such as, R, Python, SQL; the use of an integrated development environment (IDE) such as, RStudio. Experience with evaluative methods based on analytical skills and experiences balancing project and technological risk of the advanced solution's design, development and implementation. Experience with data preparation methods such as, feature creation, exploratory data analysis, model creation, and data visualization. Experience developing machine learning and AI models. Experience using data analysis, data visualization, and data reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau. Experience serving as technical lead responsible for assisting in coordinating and executes studies of marked difficulty and responsibility that address advanced data modeling techniques and procedures, data trend analysis and the development of mathematical data algorithms.
GS-13:To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with data science and analytical methods from conducting machine learning, Natural Language Processing, and technical procedures such as, solution design, implementation, and deployment. Experience using one or more relevant data science programming languages such as, R, Python, SQL; the use of an integrated development environment (IDE) such as, RStudio. Experience leading the development and documentation of tools for assigned data programs and projects. Experience with evaluative methods based on analytical skills and experiences balancing project and technological risk of the advanced solution's design, development and implementation. Experience serving as subject matter expert identifying, developing, and integrating pertinent information, including internal and external sources, through various data collection procedures and technologies, including emerging data science and big data methodologies. Experience defining data science problems and generating solution designs. Experience applying effective communication, both orally and in writing to articulate findings and recommendations. Experience with data preparation methods such as, feature creation, exploratory data analysis, model creation, and data visualization. Experience developing machine learning and AI models. Experience using data analysis, data visualization, and data reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau. Experience researching and applying internal guidelines, policies, and procedures in order to adapt them to varying circumstances, including resolving conflicts between directives and guidance from different sources.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement: A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
Additional information
Conditions of Employment Continued:
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.
Best qualified candidates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel expenses in conjunction with any required interviews, unless they are already employed by the Office of Inspector General at the U. S. Department of Transportation.
Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
Benefits
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.
Applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be further evaluated on their responses to the on-line announcement questions.
Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the application questions for this position submitted on-line via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV. These responses must be substantiated by your on-line resume. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.
Federal employees must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements for merit promotion consideration. TIG is the 52-week requirement Federal employees in competitive service, General Schedule (GS) positions at GS-5 and above must serve before they are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Transcript: You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A degree audit is unacceptable.
Resume:
- Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
- For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
- For additional information see:
- What to include in your resume
- Resume Writing
FEDERAL APPLICANTS: For consideration as a federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 that verifies your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50, current SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/
Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held. All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.
Non-competitive eligibles - must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., SF-50 documenting the full performance level of a position held on a permanent basis).
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a licensed medical professional; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.The letter must be printed on the licensed medical professional's letterhead and must include a signature or it is invalid.
DD-214/ VA Benefits Letter - To receive consideration, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming preference due to a service-connected disability, you must submit your Vet Letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs documenting your status. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays). The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.
Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting 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.
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.
How to Apply
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the responses provided in the questionnaire are fully supported by your resume, that your resume is detailed and you have highlighted your most relevant experience for this position (to include starting and ending dates of employment for each position held), and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. If you fail to provide this information, it may result in you being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position.
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, the Servicing Personnel Office listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Servicing Human Resources Office PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.Agency contact information
Karen Muller
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
West Building, Room W71-123
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United StatesNext steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Transcript: You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A degree audit is unacceptable.
Resume:
- Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
- For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
- For additional information see:
- What to include in your resume
- Resume Writing
FEDERAL APPLICANTS: For consideration as a federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 that verifies your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50, current SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/
Merit Promotion - All current Federal employees must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, current grade level and full performance level of the position held. All reinstatement eligibles/former Federal employees must submit a SF-50 documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, grade level and full performance level of the position.
Non-competitive eligibles - must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., SF-50 documenting the full performance level of a position held on a permanent basis).
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a licensed medical professional; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
The letter must be printed on the licensed medical professional's letterhead and must include a signature or it is invalid.
DD-214/ VA Benefits Letter - To receive consideration, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming preference due to a service-connected disability, you must submit your Vet Letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs documenting your status. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays). The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.
Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting 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.
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.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
All U.S. Citizens; Veteran's Preference does NOT apply. The position is announced under Direct Hire Authority (5 U.S.C. 9905 section 1109; PL, 116-92).
