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

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTIONS (SPD):
PD97567, PD97568, PD97569, PD97570, and PD97571
Visit the IRS SPD Library to access the position descriptions.

- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
- This is a non-bargainingunit 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.
- File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of selection and annually from then on.
- Relocation expenses are not authorized.
- Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.

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-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.

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

BASIC REQUIREMENT : A Bachelor's 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 and at least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area. Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science. The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.

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:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: 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:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience in operations research. The experience must have shown completion of the following, or the equivalent: Basic experience in 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.

AND
MEET TIME IN GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT: For positions above the GS-05, applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 LEVEL:
In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with mathematical reasoning/statistical project assignments that required a range of knowledge of operations research requirements and techniques. For example, experience would show a good understanding of operations research processes, procedures, and rules. Experience normally involves the following, or the equivalent: Experience utilizing mathematical methods and scientific principles in order to accomplish studies, develop a variety of mathematical models and provide management with solutions or recommendations. Basic experience of multivariate techniques and 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.

*** PLEASE SEE THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS

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. If the position has specific education requirements and you are currently (or have previously been) in the Federal job series to be filled, there is no need to submit a transcript or equivalent at this time, but you must provide an SF-50 documenting you held this job series. 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.

***THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS SECTION

OR
EDUCATION:
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: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 the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This experience 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 the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This experience 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.

AND
MEET TIME IN GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT: For positions above the GS-05, applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for.

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: Your application will be evaluated in accordance with the Service's Merit Promotion Plan. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Data Analysis
• Interpersonal Skills
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Oral and Written Communication
• Problem Solving

Your application will also be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals and awards relevant to the duties of this position. IRS employees may obtain their most recent awards listing at https://persinfo.web.irs.gov/ . 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.

Referral: A category-like rating (Quality Group) will be used to rate, rank and select eligible candidates. If qualified, you will be assigned to one of three quality level categories, Superior/Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified.

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 Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) , you must receive a score of Highly Qualified or better 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
Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application:

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 responses

Proof of Enrollment or Education (IF APPLICABLE) - 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. If the position has specific education requirements and you are currently (or have previously been) in the Federal job series to be filled, there is no need to submit a transcript or equivalent at this time, but you must provide an SF-50 documenting you held this job series. 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. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Performance Appraisal/Awards - Submit a copy of your most recent completed performance appraisal. If a revalidated appraisal is used for merit promotion, the supervisor must prepare a narrative for each critical job element that does not have a narrative describing the performance in the appraisal period covered by the rating. Note: If you are a manager or management official, your most recent annual performance appraisal must be used for the overall rating identified.

Registration/License (IF APPLICABLE) - active, current registration/license

IRS Reassignment Preference Program (RPP) (IF APPLICABLE) - You must meet the requirements in your RPP notice. Submit a copy of your RPP Notice along with a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal. Your performance appraisal must have a fully successful or higher overall rating.

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).

Submission of any 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).