COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide professional and scientific expertise in performance of work requiring the application of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific principles, methods, and techniques Learn more about this agency Duties Performs a broad range of advanced technical assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of complex techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies. Utilizes scientific inquiry in the independent development of new or substantially improved software, equipment, materials, instrumentation, devices, systems, mathematical models, processes, techniques, and/or procedures with many advanced interrelationships to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. Provides technical guidance, theoretical expertise, advisory support, and assistance on an entire project and/or major phases for broad and varied operations. Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and complex support system concepts. Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship Required Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov Posn is special-sensitive and requires Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection. Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays Shift work and emergency overtime may be required Employee must maintain current certifications Disclosure of Political Appointments Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This position may require a security clearance. The selectee would be required to obtain and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance for the position(s). This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. This is an acquisition coded position. Selectee must complete required certification level 2 in Test and Evaluation within 24 months of assignment. Qualifications Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, GROUP COVERAGE QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC POSITIONS, and Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-1515 positions. 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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Evaluation of Education:Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses designed to provide an introduction to computer science techniques and methodologies, to problems of system design, and to other specialized fields are acceptable. Courses or experience in teaching elementary, business, or shop mathematics are not acceptable. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes using professional knowledge of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, software development and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures; demonstrating knowledge and understanding of agency, and national-level doctrine, regulations, policies, guidelines, requirements, and initiatives related to assigned program(s) and/or project(s); using 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; using skill, judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and ability to foresee the impact of changing technology and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in order to produce highly technical reports, position papers, and briefings; resolve conflicts based on mature judgment and experience; effectively negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships 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. 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. 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, and 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. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Expand Hide  additional information 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 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. Review our benefits 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.