OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Operations Research Analyst performing professional and scientific work requiring systematic, critical, intensive investigation into a subject to develop the principles, criteria, methods, and data to be used in support of projects or problem-solving studies. Click in "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Major duties

Working under the guidance of senior analyst(s), applies a range of analytical, mathematical, and/or statistical theories, principles, and practices to plan, coordinate, and execute segments of complex studies. Compiles, organizes, and analyzes data/information to find solutions to problems requiring the use of a broad range of established operations research methods and techniques. Participates in special initiatives, studies, and projects. Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning. Prepares and presents briefings on the study's progress and results. Keeps abreast of emerging technologies and professional development to remain current in the field and for application to work assignments.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions and the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for GS-1515 Operations Research Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of a wide range of complex principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures. Knowledge of mathematics and analysis to perform complete studies of limited scope or work as a team member on specific problems of a major study, and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate recommendations/conclusions clearly. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Skill in applying a wide range of complex principles, concepts, and practices of the occupation sufficient to perform assignments of marked difficulty and responsibility and modify established methods to assignments in operations research analysis. OR EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Less than the full amount of specialized experience described in the job opportunity announcement; however, and have at least one year of progressively higher-level graduate education but have not obtained a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Therefore, I have a combination of experience and education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. 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:

1. Professional knowledge of a wide range of principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures.
2. Knowledge of mathematics and analysis to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate recommendations/conclusions clearly.
3. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
4. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply operations research rules and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend solutions to senior analysts.
5. Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors and fundamental relationships, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
6. Ability to plan and organize work, and confer with co-workers effectively.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.