DATA SCIENTIST

This position is located in USDAs Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO), This announcement is issued under the direct-hire authority to recruit for positions for which there is a critical need. Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Category rating, veteran's preference and traditional rating and raking of applicants do not apply to this public notice.

Major duties

• Plan, coordinate and execute work involving data modeling techniques and procedures, data trend analysis and the development of data processing algorithms.
• Apply statistical techniques, for example, predictive statistical models and simulations, segmentation analysis, customer profiling, analysis, survey design, and data mining.
• Provide statistical analyses, produce data analysis leveraging data science methodologies and applies modeling techniques and procedures in support of migration to data driven initiatives.
• Use software (e.g., Tableau, ESRI ArcGIS software), coding languages (e.g., Python, Java, R), database structures, and queries using structured query language (SQL).
• Use programming languages including Python, Java, and occasionally R for programming data cleaning and processing algorithms.
• Cleanse large unstructured data and enable analytical capability in order to query the data and address various enterprise business needs.
• Play a strategic role in the development of new approaches to understand the agency’s business trends and behaviors as well as approaches to solve complex business issues.
• Adapt mathematical and/or statistical models for evaluation, identification, collection, and analysis of data used to support assigned projects or program(s).
• Evaluate and interpret structured and unstructured data extracts and reports from various systems and repositories assessing validity and reliability to meet project needs to aid stakeholders in understanding and utilizing analytical reports.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement. Basic Education Requirement: 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 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. AND Specialized Experience: At the GS-12: Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience: 1) Performing mathematical and statistical analysis to support the formulation of operational decisions as a team member; 2) Compiling large quantities of data and processing algorithms in support of business operations; 3) Utilizing programming languages to support data analysis, statistical analyses, and operational procedures. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.