Operations Research Analyst (SME)

Full Job Description

Volpe seeks an Operations Research Analyst in Transportation Human Factors Division.

The Division is responsible for overall strategic planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of complex transportation projects and programs, and plays a key role in leading transportation safety improvement programs and human factors research studies across transportation modes.

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 Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience in operations research principles and practices to develop required data, processes and recommendations for the evaluation of measures to improve transportation safety.

AND Experience in mathematics, statistical, econometrics, or other scientific methods and techniques to include knowledge of human information processing, human systems integration, usability engineering, technology transfer, and research design.

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: Research Analysis - Mastery of operations research analysis including established and emerging research, theory, principles, and practices to develop required data, processes and recommendations for the evaluation of measures to improve transportation safety.

Mathematical Reasoning - Mastery of relevant mathematical, statistical, econometric, or other scientific methods and techniques required to serve as an operations research analysis expert.

Human Factors - Mastery of, and skill human information processing, human systems integration, usability engineering, technology transfer, and research design.

Communications - Mastery of use of automated systems for the preparation and presentation of interactive demonstrations, project management, oral briefings, and the preparation of written technical reports.

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 experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties:

The Operations Research Analyst: Provides and interprets safety improvement program and human factors information to key modal personnel responsible for the testing, and implementation of new systems and establishment of policies.

Serves as a technical expert in transportation safety improvement programs, human factors research, assisting junior staff in the conduct of programmatic work, human factors research and working with sponsors in defining agency research needs.

Identifies with sponsoring agencies the operational safety issues that will become prominent in the near future and future problems associated with the implementation of advanced technologies and automation systems.

Describes in plain language the terms and demonstrate complex safety improvement programs and human factors research to staff and visitors.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in leading transportation safety improvement programs and human factors research studies across transportation modes, and as a technical leader in cross-modal drug and alcohol program management and safety improvement programs, including design and implementation of audit and oversight programs, as well as management of transportation safety-related information systems.