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Operations Research Analyst

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Nov 24, 2019
Duties

Summary

A successful candidate in this position will perform research and analyses of larger projects pertaining to the energy sector or to a sub-sector of it. Assignments involve the initiation, formulation, planning, execution and control of analytical studies or continuing projects; require the modification and adaption of a variety of methods or the development of new research techniques and procedures; consideration of the effects of new and emerging techniques.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As an Operations Research Analyst, you will:
  • Develop, design, formulate, execute, coordinate, perform and document a broad range of analyses involving current and projected pricing, production, supply and distribution patterns, conditions and problems pertaining to energy and bring such studies to meaningful conclusions.
  • Perform analyses through parametric knowledge of subject studies and related projects.
  • Identify specific research areas that merit investigation, develop new hypotheses and approaches for studies and evaluate the feasibility of such endeavors. Initiate, formulate, plan, execute and controls studies, which are designed for the purpose of identifying, analyzing, and reporting on energy-related issues.
  • Advise management on the selection of an appropriate study design, analysis, and in interpretation of study results.
  • Conduct research and studies or projects related to analytical, statistical, or mathematical computations in the preparation of energy cost estimates, programs, and/or research. Develop reliable methods and strategies to merge survey data with administrative and utilization data.
  • Monitor and conduct a variety of specialized and complex research projects and studies important to agency decision-makers. Monitor, evaluate and coordinate projects and studies carried out under contract.
  • Apply extensive knowledge of issues, problems and subjects studied to assure results reflect real world environments. Brief study sponsors and high-level officials on progress and conclusions of studies.


Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.
  • Resume and question responses must be submitted online.
  • May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

You must submit an unofficial or official transcripts by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

If selected, you will be required to provide official copies of all transcripts.

You may be required to complete a one year probationary period, if not previously completed in a Competitive or other Excepted Service position.

You must submit all application paperwork by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree (or higher 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. Additional information regarding the education requirements for Operations Research Analyst can be found at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled .

For the GS-09, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes performing segments of analyses and projects using standard techniques and models; observing, studying and documenting new modeling techniques and approaches; and assisting in the development of working papers and coordinating with others to improve models.

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.

For the GS-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information concerning mathematical, statistical, economic, or other phenomena that impact energy market conditions or energy industry practices; preparing reports and charts to document study purposes, methods, premises, and conclusions, and participates in briefing officials on progress and conclusions of studies.

OR

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

For the GS-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes developing alternatives, provide information and guidance to management for planning; recommending conclusions based on the results of studies on energy market conditions or energy industry practices; and planning, designing, implementing and testing enhancements to improve and validate models.

Education cannot be substituted for experience at the GS-12 grade level.

For the GS-13, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes identifying and defining problems, developing alternatives, providing information and guidance to management for planning; developing and auditing procedures for automated or computer-assisted statistical survey operations on energy related programs; developing mathematical, statistical models and methodologies for analyzing systems and energy programs; and using project management techniques and methods in order to direct, lead, and manage analytical studies and projects pertaining to energy.

Education cannot be substituted for experience at the GS-13 grade level.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!
  • Skill in applying advanced, analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques as well as economic analysis sufficient to define, guide and perform major studies to meaningful conclusions.
  • Knowledge of a full range of operations research analysis techniques, including but not limited to mathematical optimization.
  • Knowledge of one or more specialized areas of operations research sufficient to apply new analytical developments, methodologies and research findings to broad studies of an unprecedented nature.
  • Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency or program criticality.
  • Ability in articulating and negotiating very complex and sensitive issues with officials of diverse perspectives and with different, sometimes opposing views.

  • "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

    CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

    You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

    Education

    EDUCATION:

    This position has a positive education requirement.

    Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

    Additional information

    The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
    • New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
    • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
    • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
    • This position is in the Bargaining Unit.
    • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
    • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
    • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
    • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register . If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

    EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement
    Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement
    Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information
    Telework: www.telework.gov
    Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

    How You Will Be Evaluated

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

    The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to ensure you have been placed into the appropriate quality category.

    Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (when applicable), and training as described in your resume and applicant assessment. Your credentials are measured against the established duties of the position at the grade level(s) being advertised.

    The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified", although they may differ slightly based on individual agency policy.

    If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

    If you are a Veteran Preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

    If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
    To preview questions please click here .

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Not Required

    Drug test required
    No

    Required Documents

    Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.

    ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a about what is expected in your resume." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.
    • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
    • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
    • For paid work experience, please indicate your starting salary for each position and the highest salary you earned (if different).
    • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
    • For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.

    Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.

    Specific educational requirements are indicated for this vacancy: experience." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.

    Veterans: authorities and the documentation you need to submit" href="http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

    Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. flexibilities for persons with disabilities" href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.

    Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.

    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.

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