Duties

As a Data Scientist, you will:

• Serve as a Data Scientist (Reporting and Data Analytics), project leader, and advisor to leadership within the Office of Applications and Digital Solutions. Works on business requirements gathering and 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.
• Conduct Business Process Re-engineering and information requirements reviews with modal and external business partners to establish, streamline, and document business processes that are to be supported by information systems.
• Advise the Associate Chief Information Officer (ACIO) of Applications and Digital Solutions in identifying technology needs and selecting a solution or strategy that aligns with the business and data models and that provides maximum business value (i.e., effective, efficient, and economical).
  Supports requirements analysis, design, programming, testing, and implementation of IT applications and tools of information systems in support of Agency information systems including interfaces between local and state Systems to improve Federal and Departmental digital services.
• Evaluate, recommends, and implements new technologies with emphasis on IT modernization of existing processes and creating new capabilities for the DOT. Evaluates Commercial-Off -The-Shelf (COTS) software and makes recommendations for software selections. Once selected, plans, coordinates, implements, and maintains Commercial-Off-The­ Shelf software that support Agency functions.
• Consult with stakeholders and customers to identify the appropriate data, methodological approach, and design. Conducts observational analyses using software and/or programming languages such as R, Python, Tableau, or SAS to explore/group data, test hypotheses, predict outcomes, and inform decisions. Derives meaning from big data (i.e., datasets that may be large, disparate, unstructured, and/or complex), including structured or loosely structured data. Is comfortable working with large datasets and numerous confounding variables.
• Use electronic tools to transform, combine, and clean data in preparation for analysis. Works with teams to develop data products and definitions. 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. Translates the results of analysis into clear, actionable communications that equip decision makers to make informed, data-driven decisions. Solves technical problems by choosing the appropriate tools and explaining data architecture and design to both technical and non-technical audiences and prepares and delivers reports and relevant information to support the needs of leadership and policy/project teams.
• Present the results of quantitative analyses to technical and non-technical audiences. Is knowledgeable of chart typologies, mapping stories to appropriate chart types. Works with customers to create useful presentations and interpretations of analytical outputs. Independently synthesizes findings and turns them into actionable insights. Adheres to applicable style guides. Is responsive to a variety of stakeholders and team members with varying technical skills.

OST is seeking a professional who is passionate about data and how the government can use to data to be more effective and efficient. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated to solve problems and work on high functioning application development teams that address complex challenges from all across the Department. These skills should accompany strong analytical, writing and communications skills and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.

PLEASE NOTE: This announcement establishes an open continuous 90-days vacancy announcement. Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications on an as needed basis.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
• You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

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.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the following:

• Experience in substantial, tangible experience applying data science competencies, including data imputation methodologies, dimension reduction techniques, complex entity resolution, natural language processing techniques, network/graph analyses, supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, visualization, model/data governance, and user-centric design.
• Experience in using common data science tools, including scripted languages (such as R, Python, SQL, and Java Scripts), Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and analytics platforms (such as RStudio, SageMaker, RapidMiner, SAS, and Domino Data Lab), open-source solutions (such as Kibana, Kubernetes, and elastic search), and commercial off-the-shelf tools (such as Databricks, EMR Studio).
• Experience applying Agile methodology to manage engagement sprints through each phase of the innovation lifecycle from ideation through deployment.

You cannot qualify on education at this 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:

Knowledge of data science theory and the utilization of concepts, theories, designs and interactions of database systems, so the incumbent can design systems and conduct studies which will offer solutions to complex data problems where precedents have not been developed.

Knowledge of, and skill in using advanced statistical analytical techniques to perform extensive technical evaluations, to provide expert advice and guidance to Agency management regarding database design feasibility.

Knowledge of project management theories, principles, and practices sufficient to personally lead assigned projects, including expertise in developing plans and schedules; estimating resource requirements; defining milestones and deliverables; monitoring activities and evaluating and effectively communicating progress to agency sponsors.

Knowledge of system interrelationships, sources of data, flow of information and availability of data among the various users, governmental agencies, private sector organizations, and the States.

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.

Education

Basic Requirements:

Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

or

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Additional information

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.