DATA SCIENTIST

Summary

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) mission is to lead the Department of Defense (DoD) in finance and accounting by ensuring the delivery of efficient, exceptional quality pay and financial information.

Duties

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• Uses expert knowledge of and the application of data analytics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific principles, methods, and techniques.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge in the areas of business needs, domain knowledge, analytical skills, and software and systems engineering to manage the end-to end data processes in the data life cycle.
• Builds analytical, econometric and/or statistical models for various problems inclusive of projections, classification, clustering, pattern analysis, sampling, simulations, etc.
• Generates actionable insights applying advanced statistical techniques, for example, predictive statistical models and simulations, segmentation analysis, customer profiling, analysis, survey design, and data mining.
• Collaborates with other data analytics team members to communicate obstacles and findings to relevant stakeholders in an effort to improve decision-making and drive business performance.
• Conducts a thorough and rigorous security impact analysis for all DFAS data analytics.
• Participates in meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to data analytics program planning, technologies, and support system concepts.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Background or Security Investigation - see the Additional Information field below for more details.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Obtain/Maintain Financial Management Certification
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
• The incumbent of this position will be required to be physically on-site full-time, regular telework is not authorized for this position.

Qualifications

This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.

This position has a positive education requirement. To qualify for this position you must meet one of the basic requirements described below:

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.

You need to send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-13) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized Experience is defined as: Developing data models for evaluation, identification, collection, and analysis of all data used to support projects or programs; selecting the appropriate data collection techniques for program analysis from various sources; collecting and analyzing data, and displaying data for analysis to draw conclusions.

Volunteer 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

Education requirements are listed in the Qualifications section above.

Additional information

• Moving expenses may be paid.
• Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
• Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
• As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we'll evaluate whether your continued employment advances the public interest. The evaluation will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment advances agency or governmental goals; and whether your continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service. At the end of the probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Travel requirement is seldom 1-24%
• This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
• Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
• This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location. We reserve the right to close this announcement early or to extend, as appropriate, based upon the needs of the Agency. Qualified application packages may be referred to management at various points in the selection process depending on the number and timing of applications received. Selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here).
• The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
• Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information.
• Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
• All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact for assistance.

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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.