Summary

This vacancy is being filled via the Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for a Data Scientist position in the Associate Director for Decennial Census Programs located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland.

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Data Scientist, 1560-14, FPL GS-14 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Duties

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• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of innovative data science applications and tools that use diverse data sources and advanced analytics to generate insights and improve organizational processes.
• Evaluate and assess emerging data and technology solutions to determine their effectiveness, identify limitations, and provide recommendations for implementing new technologies and solutions.
• Lead advanced data science research by developing and applying analytical models, computational methods, and data systems to generate insights and support agency programs.
• Lead organizational data science transformation by advancing innovative analytical capabilities, modernizing data systems and tools, and guiding the adoption of emerging data science practices across the enterprise.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• This is a BARGAINING unit position.
• This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 150 applicants are received or on July 20, 2026, whichever comes first.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the date you submit your application to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

1. 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

1. 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-14

Specialized Experience: For the GS-14, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS13 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: Designing, developing, and adapting mathematical, computer science, statistical, and data science methods and techniques to organizational processes; Providing guidance on the effective use of applications, data management, visualization tools, and emerging technologies in support of agency programs; Providing data science leadership in the development, analysis, and implementation of data programs; Providing expert guidance and overseeing policies and standards related to the development and use of data science tools and methods.

EDUCATION

A degree in 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.

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.

Additional information

This announcement is issued under the Direct-Hire authority. Consistent with 5 U.S.0 3304(a)(3) and OPM regulations (5 CFR 337 Subpart B) on Direct-Hire: All candidates who meet all the qualification and other eligibility requirements may be referred for consideration. Competitive examining rules providing for rating and ranking and veterans' preference do not apply.

Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).

Individuals who have received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment, otherwise known as a buyout, must repay that incentive if they are reemployed by the Federal Government within five years of separation.

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.

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.