Data Scientist, GS-1560-11/12, FPL 12 (DH)

Summary

This position is part of the Federal Student Aid (FSA), Data Office which operates under the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Implementation. This position is located in various locations, providing flexibility for candidates interested in contributing to FSA's strategic and policy initiatives through data management and analysis.

Duties

• APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Data Scientist, GS-1560-11/12, FPL 12 (DH), GS-1560-11, you will be responsible for: Develops data analysis and visualization products used to analyze datasets for mission-critical reporting requirements. Conducts data extraction utilizing computer programming techniques without preset specifications. Utilizes Structured Query Language (SQL) to read, write, and modify queries involved in data extraction. Develops plans for assembling, evaluating, analyzing, and visually representing data. Apply intermediate-level knowledge of most agency functions to produce accurate, timely, and reliable data products and analyses. As a Data Scientist, GS-1560-11/12, FPL 12 (DH), GS-1560-12, you will be responsible for: Develops and administers data analysis and visualization products used to analyze datasets for mission-critical reporting requirements. Performing analysis and evaluation of business requirements and user needs during planning and design phases. Conducts data extraction utilizing computer programming techniques without preset specifications. Utilizes Structured Query Language (SQL) to read, write, and modify queries involved in data extraction Develops plans for and trains others on assembling, evaluating, analyzing, and visually representing data. Apply intermediate-level knowledge of most agency functions to produce complex, accurate, timely, and reliable data products, and analyses.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-11, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-11 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-09 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience processing data, developing analytical solutions, and creating and maintaining code using data science tools. 2. Experience supporting data validation and quality assurance within analytical workflows using Programing language (Python and SQL, etc.) ensuring accuracy of data presented in dashboards and/or predictive models. 3. Experience assisting with statistical or analytical projects, by applying established criteria, investigating data related problems, analyzing findings, and presenting results or recommendation to management or other stakeholders. Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-12 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience processing data, developing analytical solutions, and creating and maintaining SQL and Python code using data science tools. 2. Experience implementing robust data validation, quality assurance, and/or monitoring processes within data pipelines and workflows using programming languages and specialized tools to ensure the accuracy of loan-based datasets visualized through interactive dashboards and/or predictive modeling. 3. Experience formulating and initiating statistical projects, establishing criteria, investigating problems, or analyzing findings to provide consultative services to office management. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-11 1. Ability to apply basic data visualization and integration techniques to support data products and reporting. 2. Knowledge of basic data analysis, mathematical concepts, and statistical methods. 3.Knowledge of basic concepts and practices related to data management, data reliability, data validity, and statistical analysis. 4.Knowledge of higher education processes and basic compliance requirements related to the administration of Federal Student Aid programs (Title IV). GS-12 1. Ability to apply data visualization and integration services and techniques. 2. Knowledge of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, or other scientific concepts. 3. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices related to data management, data reliability, data validity, and statistical analysis. 4. Knowledge of higher education processes, industry best practices, and compliance requirements related to the administration of Federal Student Aid programs (Title IV).

Requirements

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has interagency agreements (IAAs) with other agencies to ensure efficient delivery of funded programs and activities and move closer to fulfilling the President's promise to return education to the states. Employees may receive detail assignments to these agencies in support of the IAAs. Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Key Requirements: Must be a US Citizen. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. Must complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check. Must be determined suitable for federal employment. Relocation expenses will not be paid. You may be subject to serve a one-year probationary period. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. 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. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. Basic Requirements: A. 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 B. 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. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, please click Foreign Education.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.