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

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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:

1. Must be a US Citizen.
2. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service.
3. Must complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check.
4. Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
5. Relocation expenses will not be paid.
6. 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.

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).

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.

Additional information

Veterans' Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email [redacted] to schedule a session with a career counselor ("Veterans Counseling Session" should be placed in the subject line of the email).

Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment.

Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check.

Non-Essential: This position is non-essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures.

Financial Disclosure: This position does not require a financial disclosure.

Bargaining Unit: This position is included in the bargaining unit (American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252).

Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/[redacted]5-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

As an ED employee, you will also benefit from our family-friendly work environment. As part of our commitment to maintain a work life balance, we offer excused leave for Parent/Teacher Conferences (3 hours); excused leave for annual health screenings (4 hours); and matching leave for community volunteer service. Other flexibilities that may be available to you include alternative work schedules. You may be eligible to receive a recruitment incentive for this position. To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon. You may be eligible to receive a relocation incentive for this position. To receive this incentive payment, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon. You may be eligible to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program as a recruitment incentive for this position. To receive student loan repayments, you will be required to sign a service agreement obligating you to remain with the U.S. Department of Education for a specified period as agreed upon.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.