OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Summary

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The primary purpose: To serve as a key analyst and recognized expert performing 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

Duties

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• Performs a broad range of weapons systems analyses assignments developing methodologies for and evaluating the cost effectiveness of advanced weapons systems, related equipment, and force structures.

• Provides technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance on an entire project and/or major phases for broad and varied operations.
• Utilizes scientific inquiry in the independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. Serves as an expert on modeling and simulation techniques.
• Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts.
• Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program; Disclosure of Political Appointments
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Must exhibit a high degree of judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and the ability to foresee the impact of changing technology.
• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Work requires the appropriate APDP certification: Level 2 in Information Technology (Required) and Test (desired).
• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. CONT
• Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety
• Recall to duty may be a requirement of this position.
• Overtime and/or emergency overtime may be required.
• The employee is required to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance as a condition of employment.

Qualifications

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 and the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1515 Operations Research Series.

INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENT: GS-1515: A Bachelor's degree (or higher 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

EVALUATION OF EDUCATION: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area. Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SSPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must meet the basic requirements for the GS-1515-13 and have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to the GS-12 (or higher) grade level or equivalent pay system (may have been obtained in the Federal service, military, or private sector). Specialized experience includes mastery knowledge of the application of Air Force rated aviator (e.g., pilot, navigator, EWO) expertise as it applies to assigned programs; and assigned weapons systems. Must have operational experience in multiple AFSOC weapon systems, specifically AC/MC-130. Must have operational experience and prior qualification in the C-130J aircraft. Demonstrated skill in conducting the operational employment and development of tactics techniques and procedures for combat applications. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

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-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. 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:

1. Knowledge of a broad range of weapons systems operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities.

2. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.

3. Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts.

4. Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.

5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.

6. 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.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

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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.

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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.