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Operations Research Analyst

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Jun 25, 2021
Duties

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OTHER IRS CAREERS? Visit us on the web at www.jobs.irs.gov
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

WHAT IS THE RESEARCH, APPLIED ANALYTICS & STATISTICSDIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and will receive training to help you grow in this position.
  • Independently conducts, leads, or participates in studies of complex problems requiring considerable ingenuity to determine the approach and identify the relevant factors for analysis. The incumbent is responsible for defining the problems involved, formulating the overall concepts, evaluating findings, and recommending solutions.
  • Selects and applies mathematics, economics, econometrics, and/or statistics appropriate to solving research problems, such as the development of computerized mathematical resource allocation models (e.g., simulation), regression models, econometric projections, or workload forecasting models.
  • Conducts research using innovative analytical approaches and applying techniques in a creative manner to solve very difficult problems, enhance performance, or increase efficiency and effectiveness.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment


- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
- The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages .
- This is a non-bargaining unit position.
- Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 am
- Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
- If you are in a telework eligible position, you may be directed to temporarily telework on a full-time basis due to COVID 19. Employees must be within a 150-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. Once normal operations resume, employees may be directed back to the office to perform the duties of their position. Telework eligibility does not guarantee telework; employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements and supervisor's approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. As a reminder - If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- A 1-year probationary period is required.
- Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
- Undergo an income tax verification and review of prior performance/conduct.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a FBI criminal history record check (fingerprint check).
- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

BASIC REQUIREMENT :
A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in operations research; or 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. Candidates applying for an Operations Research position must meet the basic requirement in order to be considered. Please tell us which is true about your education and/or experience.

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-07 LEVEL:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level that required basic professional knowledge of mathematical methods and scientific principles to assist other analysts; Basic knowledge of multivariate techniques and mathematical, simulation economics, econometric and statistical operations research techniques to use in projects; Skills in researching and gathering pertinent data from a variety of sources, and using it to analyze routine projects; General knowledge of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to assigned subject matter projects and of the meaning of the data secured from tax returns; Knowledge of user-oriented computer programming languages and statistical software packages.

OR
EDUCATION:
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: One year of graduate level education at an accredited college or university in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, management science, economics, mathematical logic, science, engineering or related field. OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may be met by having a Bachelor's degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in the major field of study or those courses in the major completed in the last two years of study, or rank in the upper one third of the class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-09 LEVEL:
At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level that demonstrated knowledge of operations research. The assignments must have shown completion of the following, or the equivalent. Experience utilizing basic knowledge of mathematical methods and scientific principles to accomplish studies and utilize mathematical models. Conducting research and gathering pertinent data from a wide variety of sources.

OR
EDUCATION:
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: A master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements. OR Two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 LEVEL:
At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level that demonstrated accomplishment of mathematical reasoning/statistical project assignments that required a range of knowledge of operations research requirements and techniques. For example, assignments would show a good understanding of operations research processes, procedures, and rules. accomplishments normally involve the following, or the equivalent: Experience utilizing knowledge of mathematical methods and scientific principles in order to accomplish studies, develop a variety of mathematical models and provide management with solutions or recommendations. Experience utilizing basic knowledge of multivariate techniques and knowledge of pertinent mathematical, simulation, economics, econometric and statistical operations research techniques. Researching and gathering data from a wide variety of sources and use it to analyze technical projects and program areas.

OR
EDUCATION:
Three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements. OR A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-12 LEVEL:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements you must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. Qualifying experience is experience that demonstrated accomplishment of operations research project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of mathematical methods and scientific principles utilized to accomplish complex studies to provide management with viable solutions or recommendations.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-13 LEVEL:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements you must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level. Qualifying experience is experience that demonstrated accomplishment of operations research project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of complex mathematical methods and scientific principles utilized to accomplish complex studies to measure program effectiveness and efficiency and to identify probable causes of cost/workload variance.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards .

Education

EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION
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.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page .

If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Additional information

Three (3) positions are located in Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics, Washington, DC.

Requirements Section Continued:
- Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9 . Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies.
- Provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
- Relocation expenses are not authorized.
- File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
- Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.

Qualifications Section Continued:
*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-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application includes your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Rating: You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
  • Communication
  • Data Analysis
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Math Knowledge
  • Problem Solving


Category rating will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. If qualified, you will be assigned to one of two quality level categories, CAT A/B, CAT C depending on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, and training related to this position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.

Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Preference-eligibles will be listed at the top of their assigned quality group and considered before non-preference-eligibles in that quality group. Qualified preference-eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality group for this position. For scientific and professional positions Qualified preference-eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest category for this position, except at the GS-09 and above.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates, if required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices), will be interviewed in quality group order. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) , you must receive a rating of category to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this Public Notice:
  • Resume - For qualification determinations your resume (uploaded or created in USAJOBS) must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn ), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. ( Cover letters are optional.) Please view Resume Tips.
  • Online Application - Questionnaire
  • Proof of Enrollment or Education - 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.
  • Registration/License (IF APPLICABLE) - active, current registration/license
  • Veterans' Preference (IF APPLICABLE) - If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15 , along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. For more information on veterans' preference view FedsHireVets.
  • Military Spouses - You MUST submit verification of the marriage to the service member(i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND (1) a copy of your spouse's active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse's 100% service-connected disability (e.g., VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member's death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
  • Current and Former Federal Employees Documentation - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which shows your current grade and competitive service status.
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) (IF APPLICABLE) - IRS CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within and outside the commuting area. Treasury CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within the commuting area. Find required documentation at: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP).
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) (IF APPLICABLE) - If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
  • Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you will not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

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