Duties

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his position is in Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO), Office of Innovation (INN), Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The incumbent will serve as a Data Scientist, responsible for utilizing scientific methodologies, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract insights from structured and unstructured data and to provide guidance for data-driven decision making.in support of OIG investigations, audits, and inspections. Typical assignments for GS-7 include:

• Extracting data from internal/external data sources and provided files using prescribed tools, scripts, or step-by-step procedures; performing basic cleaning tasks; and loading into approved environments.
• Calculating basic descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, totals, averages, percentages) using spreadsheets or standard software functions and running predefined statistical routines or notebook templates.
• Creating simple charts, graphs, and tables (e.g., bar charts, line charts, pie charts) in tools such as Excel or introductory business intelligence tools using prepared data.
• Running existing scripts (e.g., Python, R, Perl, VBScript) to import, transform, or export data according to written instructions.

Typical assignments for GS-9 include:

• Extracting, cleaning, transforming, and organizing data from internal and external data sources using established tools, scripts, and queries.
• Applying descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, means, medians, standard deviations), simple inferential techniques (e.g., t-tests, chi-square tests) or standard libraries or built-in functions (e.g. regression, classification, clustering) to answer defined questions.
• Building and updating dashboards, reports, and visualizations in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms using prepared or team-approved data models.
• Automating routine manual tasks (e.g., parsing large data files, merging files, recurring data quality checks, scheduled refreshes) to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
• You must successfully pass a background investigation
• You must be able to obtain Secret security clearance
• Selective Service registration required
• Completion of one-year probationary period may be required.
• Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications GS-07: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Applying basic statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.
• Writing and modifying scripts with open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line) with close supervision or detailed instructions.
• Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.
• Assisting in preparing written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff.

Minimum Qualifications GS-09: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Applying basic statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.
• Writing and modifying scripts
  
  with
  
  open source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line) under supervision or with detailed guidance.
• Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.
• Assisting in the preparation of written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff.

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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 08/26/2026of this announcement.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

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.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Secret as a condition of placement into this position.

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.

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.