Data Scientist

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to

Provides data-driven solutions to complex challenges by developing processes to transform raw structured or unstructured data into useful, actionable information for critical mission systems.

Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines using commercial cloud, open source, and/or custom software solutions to process large datasets.

Establish data quality checks and procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency of data.

Develop and implement data governance practices to regulate data access, usage, and security within the organization.

Collaborate with teams to understand data needs, translate technical concepts, and ensure projects meet business goals.

Translates the results of analysis into clear, actionable communications that equip Agency decision makers to make informed, data-driven decisions about programmatic and administrative functions.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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 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.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Assisting in the development of automated pipelines for data extraction from databases or publicly available sources to support statistical analysis, construction of datasets, and creation of data products-including spatial layers-for further analytical use.

Contributing to the development of software packages or interactive data visualizations, such as dashboards or analytic tools, that enable users to explore and interpret data across multiple subsets.

Regularly using programming languages applied in data science activities, such as statistical analysis (e.g., C++, Python, or R), software or web application development (e.g., JavaScript or HTML), database management (e.g., SQL), and/or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP).

Assisting with the development or implementation of statistical models relevant to ecological systems or disease surveillance, which may include contributing to research articles, prototypes, or internal analytical products.

Supporting research or software development projects, including helping communicate technical information to non-technical users, collaborating with teammates, and participating in iterative development with end-users. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Developed automated pipelines for data extraction from databases or publicly available data sources to combine data for statistical analysis, construction of new databases, and construction of data products that create spatial layers for additional analyses.

Developed software packages and interactive data visualizations including interactive dashboards and analytic tools that help users visualize their data in different subsets.

Regular use of programming languages in multiple data science areas: statistical data analysis (e.g., C++, python, or R), software or web application development (e.g., JavaScript or HTML), database management (e.g., SQL), and/or of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP).

Developed statistical models of ecological systems, especially of disease surveillance data, as evidenced through authorship on research articles or software.

Led research or software development projects, including communicating technical information, both orally and in writing to non-technical end-users and building effective developer/end-user relationships for collaborative development. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.