SUPERVISORY OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Operations Research Series, 1515 Individual Occupational Requirements and the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

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.

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.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks), or will have one year within 120 days of closing of this announcement, specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes professional knowledge of a wide range of complex principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures. Knowledge, skills, and ability in the application of operations research analysis, and related disciplines, to the identification, assessment and deployment of advance information technologies and new strategies in advancing and promoting analytics-aided decision making. Ability and experience in managing staff, multi-disciplinary technical teams, and resources, as well as in directing program development and execution to support both long-term strategic and near-term goals and objectives. Knowledge of mathematics and analysis to perform complete studies of limited scope or work as a team member on specific problems of a major study, and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate recommendations/conclusions clearly. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 and mastery of a broad range of methods and techniques used in classical and modern advanced operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities.
2. Knowledge of expert quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
3. Ability to participate in study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
4. Ability to recognize and use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate information orally and in writing in a succinct and organized manner; and produce written and oral information, including technical material, which is appropriate for the intended audience.
5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques.
6. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.

Ideal Candidate:

1. Has a MS or higher in Operations Research or related discipline (for example Statistics, Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, etc.)
2. Has experience formally as a supervisor or informally as a team or study leady. Has the ability to assign work as appropriate and evaluate members according to stated expectations. Can execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
3. Has experience in employing scientific and analytical techniques to define, quantify, and evaluate the feasibility of assigned projects studies, or problems from the tactical to the strategic level.
4. Has experience in reviewing and evaluating study projects, proposals, and/or reports for adequacy of methodology, including the use or development of computerized models, ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified
5. Has oral and written experience in communicating technical material in an organized and succinct manner to senior leaders of varying levels of technical knowledge and background.
6. Has knowledge of the most up to date tools, training, and capabilities available to the DAF analytic community.
7. Stays professionally up to date on emerging techniques and tools in the operations research and data science career fields.

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.