Data Scientist - Veterans Benefits Administration

Summary This position is in Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Office of Financial Management (OFM) in Washington, D.C. The Data Scientist serves as the primary point of contact within the division for data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, development of requirements for finance, accounting, and budgetary reporting, and implementation of business intelligence solutions. Responsibilities Conduct projects which use regression analysis, statistical analysis, modeling, machine learning, time series forecasting, and data visualization. Perform exploratory data analysis, identify patterns, trends, and correlations to uncover key insights that drive decision making. Design and create visually appealing and interactive reports, dashboards, and data visualizations to present information in a clear and concise manner. Assess data quality on an ongoing basis, identifying data inconsistencies or errors, and design and implement strategies for data validation and data cleansing when necessary. Use relevant scientific principles, methods, and processes to conduct systematic and objective inquiries; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results. Listen and engage with customers and stakeholders to understand their business needs, goals, and challenges related to data analysis, Business Intelligence, and reports. Collaborate and communicate with cross-functional teams to achieve the objectives of the work group. Communicate verbally and in writing to a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels of knowledge and understanding. Review and evaluate relevant tools and technology to determine suitability for the organization's needs and make recommendations for implementation. Assist with development and execution of data conversion plans in support of system modernizations, cloud migrations, and implementation of new digital solutions for the organization. Assist with design of automations and other digital solutions to help improve timeliness and accuracy of reports and data analysis. Work in established and emerging data science tools such as, but not limited to, TOAD, ASA, R, Python, Tableau, and cloud analytics platforms. Represent the staff on a data governance council and provide input on data management plans and data quality plans in compliance with relevant policies. Apply statistical techniques to extract insights and make predictions. Support budget and accounting operations by designing and developing financial models to improve budget forecasting, budget planning and programming activities, and cost estimates. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/04/2024. The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM's)Individual Occupational requirements and/or group qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found: Here NOTE: Applicants must meet both the Individual Occupation Requirements (IOR) and the Specialized Experience as stated for the grade levels as listed below. Basic Requirements (IOR): 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: To qualify for the grade level GS-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Experience with using qualitative and quantitative analysis to support decision making. (2) Provides support as a member of a team in the development, modification, and utilization of applications; data analysis and interpretation. (3) Database design and development; and troubleshooting and providing guidance on the effective use of applications, data management and visualization tools, and emerging technologies. Or applicants may substitute education for experience at grade level GS-09. See the Section on *Education* below. To qualify for the grade level GS-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Experience in the basic application of advanced quantitative analysis with a basic proficiency in scripting and analytics tools and platforms. (2) Experience in usage reports of analytics reporting and dashboards. (3) Demonstrated experience performing qualitative and quantitative analysis to support decision making. (4) Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL), data modeling, and experience with BI tools such as Tableau and Power BI. AND (5) Experience with data mining, data manipulation, and statistical analysis techniques using tools like Excel, Python, or R. Or applicants may substitute education for experience at grade level GS-11. See the Section on *Education* below. To qualify for the grade level GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) or a comparable pay band in federal or other service that demonstrates the particular competencies necessary to perform the work of this position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Developing reporting and analytics services to include but not limited to interactive reports, dashboards and data visualizations using data science methods; assessing data quality, identifying data inconsistencies/errors, and implementing strategies for data validation, which drive decision making. (2) Experience in data science, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques to deliver quality performance and product support. (3) Manage and/or perform digital solution approaches and techniques such as design automations; (4) Perform analysis of reporting and analytics services. AND (5) Professional experience working or using tools such as: Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Modeling, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Time Series Forecasting, Data Visualization, TOAD, SAS, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and cloud analytics platforms sufficient to lead and conduct advanced analytics projects. There is no educational substitution authorized for the grade level of GS-12. Note: 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; religions; 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 you document, to include volunteer experience. Education Education Substitution for grade level GS-09: Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade GS-9. Applicants may substitute education for experience with an awarded master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL. B or J.D.) from an accredited college or university, or two full years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. This graduate degree must meet the IOR with a degree Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field of study directly related to the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information. OR Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify for grade GS-09. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions, and per the IOR this education must contain courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 Semester hours) as appropriate for the position, at grade GS-9. To calculate, first identify the education you have earned beyond your first year of study as a percentage of a total of two years of study. Then identify the number of months of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100 percent in order to be qualifying. For example, an applicant who has 27 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required beyond the first 18 credit hours earned) and who has 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the one year of specialized experience required) would meet 100% and thus be qualified for the position. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-9. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information. Education Substitution for grade level GS-11: Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade GS-11. Applicants may substitute education for experience with an awarded Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (such as an LL.M.) from an accredited college or university, or three full years (54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a doctoral degree. This graduate degree must meet the IOR with a degree Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field of study directly related to the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information. OR Applicants may substitute a combination of graduate education and specialized experience to qualify for grade GS-11. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions, and per the IOR this education must contain courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 Semester hours) as appropriate for the position, at grade GS-11. To calculate, first identify the education you have earned beyond your first two years of study as a percentage of a total of three years of study. Then identify the number of months of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100 percent in order to be qualifying. For example, an applicant who has 45 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required beyond the first two years) and who has 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the one year of specialized experience required) would meet 100% and thus be qualified for the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information. Note: There is no educational substitution authorized for the grade levels of GS-12. An unofficial or official copy of your transcripts must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit. Additional Information Virtual: No, this is not a VIRTUAL position. The selectee must report to their local VBA Regional Office five days a pay period as designated by VBA policy. Work Schedule: Regular office hours, Monday -Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Alternate work Schedules may be available. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary, involving walking, standing, sitting, bending and carrying of light items such as paper, books and computer print outs. Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office setting which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. May be required to occasionally travel. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is GS-9/11/12/13. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. "Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf."