OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Description:

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The primary purpose of this position is to provide professional and scientific expertise in performance of work requiring knowledge and application of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, advanced theories, concepts, and/or other scientific principles, methods, and techniques.

Requirements:

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, Operations Research Series 1515.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of 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:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes mastery of and skill in applying advanced, analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques related to statistical analysis; parametric and non-parametric analysis; computer modeling; decision theory; mathematical programming; regression analysis; and economic analysis sufficient to design and develop the most appropriate techniques to solve problems, enhance performance, or increase efficiency and effectiveness; provide expert judgments concerning the validity of assumptions made and the criteria to evaluate alternatives; conceptualize systems and reduce them to the most effective, simplified, and manageable representation and treatment; and simulate a process, developing a detailed model of the most critical features of the process.

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. Professional knowledge of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, software development and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures.

2. Knowledge and understanding of agency, AF, Department of Defense (DOD) and national-level doctrine, regulations, policies, guidelines, requirements, and initiatives related to assigned program(s) and/or project(s).

3. Knowledge of security procedures to maintain control of classified material.

4. Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to identify, investigate, resolve complex issues or problems, and modify standard practices and techniques to solve complex interrelated problems.

5. Skill, judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and ability to foresee the impact of changing technology.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in order to produce highly technical reports, position papers, briefings: resolve conflicts based on mature judgment and experience; effectively negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships.

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.