OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

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 in the GS-1515 Operations Research Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 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. MUST PROVIDE OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S). AND GS-12 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience such as professional knowledge of, and skills in applying a wide range of theories, concepts, and methods of analytical, mathematical, or statistical principles and practices to social science, political and economic principles, practices and methods and knowledge of analytical processes, such as conducting background research; collecting and reducing data; displaying data for analysis; and drawing conclusions; analytical techniques such as design of experiments and computer modeling/simulation; and organization program policies sufficient to participate in a variety of projects under the direction of a senior analyst to work as a team member in an organization that conducts operations research investigations. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-11 grade/level or equivalent position in the federal service. GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, GS-12 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience such as the mastery of, and skills in applying advanced operational research, analytical, or statistical methods, principles, standards, and concepts related to social science, political, and economic theories that enable the incumbent to provide expert advice to senior colleagues, external government, and/or military officials responsible for broad program operations and make significant, innovative recommendations for advancing programs and/or methodologies that may impact important segments of the organization’s operating programs or affect the welfare of the public and/or the sustainability of natural resources and the environment. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-12 grade/level or equivalent position in the federal service. 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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. Due to the use of 120 day rosters, applicants within 120 days of completion of the TIG requirement are encouraged to apply. 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: Knowledge of a broad range of weapons systems cost analysis and a wide range of methods and techniques used in operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply cost models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations. 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.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional and scientific work requiring the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques for various weapons systems and provide advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative courses of action.