Data Scientist (Branch Chief)

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Office of Planning, Analysis, and Risk Management (OPARM). OPARM is the FSIS centralized analytics group and tasked with integrating and analyzing relational data.

The program also provides data visualization and analytics services to support FSIS decision-making, policy development, risk management, and strategic planning.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and education, as defined below.

For the GS-14 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that demonstrates all of the following: Using Python or R in support of data analytics projects.

Leading a team or cross-functional group to accomplish a significant project or initiative.

This includes setting goals, coordinating tasks, evaluating work products, and providing technical advice and guidance on items such as analytical coding or methodologies, statistical analysis, or visualization development.

Developing oral and written presentations and communicating complex and technical analyses to inform, influence, and persuade a variety of audiences.

And at least 1 of the following 2: Creating and maintaining automated data pipelines to support data ingestion, transformation, and delivery. Creating and maintaining interactive dashboards or reports.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• Responsible for the overall direction and accomplishment of Branch analytical assignments and functions.
• Develops, exhibits, and applies clear understanding of Branch analytical output and associated data.
• Assign work to Branch members, ensures the development of project plans with necessary and realistic milestones and deliverables.
• Assists in the development of performance standards and uses them to fairly evaluate the performance of subordinate employees.
• Holds employees accountable for accurate and timely completion of tasks.
• Identifies training needs, resolves complaints and grievances fairly at the lowest possible level.
• Utilizes a variety of languages and tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL) to build data pipelines to pull together information from different source systems.
• Coordinates with staff and members of other organizational areas to understand project requirements and facilitate improved customer service.
• Collaborates with specialists in diverse fields to fulfill operational data and analytical needs.
• Provides directions to subordinates on appropriate coding and statistical techniques to solve specific problems.