Operations Research Analyst

Summary This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Power Services (P). We're seeking an analytical expert to solve complex public utility, river operations, and energy challenges. You will apply advanced data science, mathematical modeling, and statistical techniques to assist or lead studies, develop solutions, and provide data-driven decision-making to help shape operational, marketing, and long-term planning decisions. Duties This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Power Services (P). In this critical role, you will apply your quantitative skills to solve complex challenges, formulate data-driven strategies, and significantly influence critical power services, transmission, or river operations functions. Key Responsibilities: Lead Strategic Analytical Initiatives: Drive high-impact projects from conceptualization and research through rigorous data analysis, mathematical formulation, and the delivery of insightful, actionable conclusions. Engineer Advanced Mathematical Models: Design, develop, and apply sophisticated modeling techniques and/or mathematical algorithms to optimize operations and support critical decision-making. Conduct Dynamic Computer Simulations: Create and execute complex computer simulations to explore various scenarios, forecast trends, and evaluate the potential impact of different strategies. Perform Deep Quantitative Data Analysis: Leverage advanced probability, statistics, and trend analysis to uncover nuanced patterns and critical insights from large and diverse datasets. Pioneer Innovative Methods and Policies: Develop and propose novel analytical methods, criteria, and new policies or practices that enhance organizational effectiveness and adapt to evolving needs. Automate Analysis with Custom Software: Utilize technology, AI, and script development within typical and/or niche software to streamline analytical processes and improve efficiency across various functions. Influence Stakeholders with Clear Communication: Articulate and defend complex analytical findings, recommendations, and potentially sensitive issues through briefings and comprehensive reports to diverse audiences. Continuously Enhance Analytical Frameworks: Proactively modify and adapt established analytical methodologies to ensure ongoing relevance, accuracy, and support for dynamic organizational objectives. Requirements Conditions of employment In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers may be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Qualifications BASIC 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: GS-7: Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Assisting with performing calculations, analyses, and computations of data with models and manipulating variables to determine how a process, object, or concept would behave in different situations; or using basic mathematical and statistical theories and practices to identify and interpret factors or relationships. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor's degree curriculum from an accredited college or university, that is qualifying for the position to be filled. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade point average, or (3) honor society membership. Class standing is being in the upper third of your graduating class, based on completed courses. Grade point average (GPA) is defined as: A GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. Honor society membership is defined as a member of one of the national scholastic honor societies, as listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above: If you have some specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and you have less than one full year of graduate level education, you may combine your education and experience to meet the requirements. To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. GS-9: Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Applying a practical knowledge of mathematics and/or operations research analysis to perform analytical investigations, problem solve, interpret and correlate various calculations, analyses, and computations to accomplish projects, plans, and reports. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.B. or J.D. if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in researching, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and performing difficult but well precedented operations research, modeling, or other related assignments. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) experience using computer models or software tools to develop analytical models, mathematical and statistical analyses; 2) conducting risk management studies to help inform recommendations on policies, programs, processes; and/or 3) Resolving strategic or operational problems of an organization participating in a regulated industry. There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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 experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Additional information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE EEO Policy: USAJOBS Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Veterans Information: USAJOBS Center - Veterans Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/ Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. BPA may use a student loan repayment incentive to repay all or part of any qualifying federally insured student loan(s) previously taken out by highly qualified candidates to whom an offer of employment has been made. Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form BPA F 33300.01e and email it to [email protected] by midnight of the closing date of the job posting. BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment. We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social. 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.