Interdisciplinary Data Scientist/Operations Research Analyst

Full Job Description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, Enterprise Services, Immediate Office of Executive Assistant Commissioner, Workforce Care Directorate, located in Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Washington DC.

Basic Requirements: To be considered for the position, you must meet one of the following: Operations Research Analyst (1515): 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. Data Scientist (1560): Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position.

The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

Data Scientist (1560) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

You qualify for this position if you meet one of the basic requirements, as described above and one year of specialized experience listed below.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Extracting, cleaning, validating, and integrating large structured and unstructured datasets from multiple enterprise systems to prepare reliable data for analysis and reporting.

Applying statistical and mathematical techniques (e.g., regression, forecasting, hypothesis testing) and use tools such as Python/R/SQL and visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau or Power BI) to analyze data and present results to stakeholders.

Developing, adapting, or applying quantitative models (e.g., simulations, optimization, or predictive models) to evaluate alternative courses of action, forecast outcomes, or assess program or operational performance.

Planning and conducting data-driven research or evaluation projects from problem definition through methodology design, analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of technical reports or briefings.

Providing technical guidance or mentoring to other analysts or staff, and collaborate with program offices or leadership to translate analytical findings into recommendations that inform programmatic, operational, or resource decisions.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.

Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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 experience.

You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 02/27/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

This position will be filled under any of the following titles and occupational series, depending on the qualifications of applicant and the needs of the agency: Operations Research Analyst, 1515 Data Scientist, 1560 Transcripts: Positions which are scientific or technical in nature often have specific educational requirements.

You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Background Investigation: U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.

Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S.

Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S.

government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S.

government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.

Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Major Duties:

In this position you will serve as a Data Scientist/Operations Research Analyst, applying advanced analytical methods and techniques to a wide range of complex datasets to support data-driven decision-making across the agency.

The position is responsible for extracting, processing, and integrating data from multiple sources, developing advanced statistical and computational models, and conducting research and evaluation projects to address critical agency challenges.

You will play a key role in identifying data-driven solutions, providing expert guidance to junior analysts, and collaborating with agency directorates to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $158,322.00 (GS-13, Step 10).

Major duties include: Leading agency-wide research and evaluation projects that address complex workforce care and wellness issues, including the design of study approaches, coordination of data sources, and dissemination of findings to senior leadership.

Serving as a technical authority and subject matter expert on data science and operations research, advising leadership on the use of enterprise data, models, and analytical methods to support administrative, programmatic, and financial decisions.

Developing and refining data governance frameworks, policies, and standards for data classification, management, quality assurance, and access to ensure compliance with agency regulations and promote consistent data practices.

Designing, building, and maintaining enterprise-level dashboards, decision-support tools, and analytic products that communicate trends (e.g., wellness indicators, negative outcomes, and resource utilization) to non-technical stakeholders.

Representing the organization in interagency working groups, professional conferences, and internal cross-directorate initiatives, sharing best practices, promoting data literacy, and fostering collaboration on data-driven solutions.