OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a key analyst and recognized expert performing professional and scientific work requiring the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques and provide advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative courses of action.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Operations Research Series 1515.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: A Bachelor's degree (or higher 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. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts with your application EVALUATION OF EDUCATION: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem.

Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis.

In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes proficiency in one or more specialized areas of operation research sufficient to apply new analytical developments, methodologies, and research findings to broad studies of an unprecedented nature.

Expertise in research techniques and concomitant ability to obtain information concerning subject studies to perform sound analyses.

Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency, or program criticality.

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.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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.

Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities. 2.

Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. 3.

Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. 4.

Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. 5.

Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. 6.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.

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. Major Duties:

1. Performs a broad range of operations research analyses assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies. 2.

Utilizes scientific inquiry in the independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. 3.

Provides technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance on an entire project and/or major phases for broad and varied operations. 4.

Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts. 5.

Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency.