SummaryThis vacancy is being filled via the
Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for a
Data Scientist position in the
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer located at the
U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in
Suitland, Maryland.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other
Data Scientist, 1560-12/13, FPL GS-13 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
DutiesHelp
- Conducts research and statistical analysis on available data, as directed, and presents findings in suitable formats. Alters instructions, methodologies, and/or guidelines, as directed.
- Participates in the development of new user interfaces and supports adapting tools for displaying scientific information; implements common Management data standards and metadata schema for discoverability and interoperability of data, as directed.
- Performs advanced queries using database and analytical tools (e.g. SQL Server) and programming languages (e.g. Python, R, and Java) to analyze data and develop data-analytical visualizations.
- Defines data requirements and integration of enabling technologies to collect, extract, engineer, and transform data from traditional and nontraditional sources.
- Provides data science expertise to a wide range of highly complex initiatives and projects focused on the development of cutting-edge tools and resources to easily access, store, analyze, and exchange complex, high-quality data.
RequirementsHelp
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 position may be covered by one or more of the following bargaining units: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2782(HQ) or AFGE Local 1438(DN). If you have specific questions, please contact the HR Specialist.
- 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.
- This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 150 applicants are received or on November 2, 2026, whichever comes first.
QualificationsMinimum Education Requirement: 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.
AND
Specialized Experience: For the
GS-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the
GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: participating in research and statistical analysis on available data and evaluates the effectiveness of statistical programs/applications; alters instructions, methodologies, and/or guidelines as necessary to achieve program objectives; develops improved program material and documentation; develops or presents training to internal or external audiences on data science topics; participates in the analysis of management information requirements to develop program or administrative reporting systems including the systems specifications, data gathering and analytical techniques, and systems evaluation methodology; and performs queries using various types of database and analytical tools (e.g., SQL Server).
Specialized Experience: For the
GS-13, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the
GS-12 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes participating in the planning, design, development, and implementation of data science techniques and methods; using data analytics to develop data structures, validate data sources, and evaluate data management tools; developing/querying analytical tools and data systems such as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL systems; and applying Big Data processing languages, computation algorithms including High Performance Computing (HPC), and programming languages (such as Python, R, C#, Java) to develop analytical pipelines, visualizations, and solutions.
Applicants must demonstrate and provide evidence in at least 3 of the above areas to be qualified.Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.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 informationThis announcement is issued under the Direct-Hire authority. Consistent with 5 U.S.C. 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.
BenefitsHelp
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.
