Operations Research Analyst (Open to U.S. Citizens)

Summary The Volpe Center seeks talented Operations Research Analysts to join our Aviation Safety Management Systems Division, which supports client organizations in the development of functional data management and information technology strategies and  systems to meet critical transportation and safety information requirements.  Learn more about this agency Duties The Operations Research Analyst: Supports the team in conducting feasibility studies and research on large-scale safety information systems. Apply basic operations research techniques to analyze organizational processes and data.  Assists in data collection and management for transportation safety systems. Performs testing and quality assurance tasks to ensure the validity and utility of safety data. Prepares and maintains documentation related to software configurations and application designs to meet customer needs. s document system scope and objectives for significant components of larger programs. Works collaboratively with team members to fulfill project objectives while supporting the Division's strategic initiatives. Learns to use Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) to assist in developing applications that reduce safety risks. Assists team members or project managers in tracking milestones and deliverables for assigned segments of studies. Participates in meetings to exchange information and coordinate work efforts. The ideal candidate possesses a background in operations research, data science, computer science, mathematics, and/or engineering. Preferred technical skills include transportation analysis, environmental assessment, sustainment analysis, data modeling, object-oriented programming, system engineering, requirements development, and Extensible Markup Language (XML) and web development. While a background in aviation, air traffic management, and/or maintenance operations is desired, it is not mandatory, as the division has access to numerous subject matter experts and the required knowledge can be gained on-the-job. The Division develops, enhances, operates and maintains large-scale, safety information systems for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and other federal agencies. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-07 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-05 it must include: Experience assisting in the application of operations research tools, analytical techniques and information technology and systemsknowledge. Experience assisting in the preparation of reports and presentations and presenting to individuals and groups within an organization. To qualify for the GS-07 on Education alone, you must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education OR superior academic achievement. •    **Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.•    1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.•    2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate level education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include: Experience assisting in the application of operations research tools, analytical techniques and information technology and systems knowledge (e.g., statistics, time series analysis, applied queueing theory, simulation, optimization, probabilistic uncertainty analysis) to improve decision making processes, system development methods or other operations. Experience preparing reports and presentations, and presenting to individuals and groups within an organization. To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience applying operations research tools and information technology and systems knowledge (e.g., statistics, time series analysis, applied queueing theory, simulation, optimization, probabilistic uncertainty analysis) to decision making processes, system development methods or other operations. Experience preparing reports and presentations, and presenting to individuals and groups such as managers, clients, professional organizations, and/or other groups and individuals. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. 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: Operations Support - Knowledge of procedures to ensure production or delivery of products and services, including tools and mechanisms for distributing new or enhanced software. Technical Documentation - Knowledge of procedures for developing technical and operational support documentation. Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosterscommitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. Quality Assurance - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a product fulfills functional requirements and standards. For all types of consideration, 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 directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experienceFor additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education 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. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.  Additional information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. 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.