Summary
This position is located in the Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA), Office of Performance Analysis and Integrity (PA&I), and organizationally aligned under the VBA Chief of Staff. The mission of PA&I's Advanced Analytics Staff is to provide analytical services, statistical analysis, and data products that support VBA's delivery of high-quality, timely benefits and services to Veterans and their families.
Duties
The data scientist will specialize in data extraction, sample design, and dataset development for analysis by VBA's Quality Assurance teams. Specific duties include: GS-11: Support the development and optimization of data sourcing, preparation, and analytical dataset construction processes and assist in performing data extractions using computer programming without preset specifications to source and prepare data from diverse systems. Assist with statistical analysis, working in established and emerging data science tools such as Toad, SAS, Python, Tableau, and cloud analytics platforms. Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of VBA program operations in meeting business line or higher established goals and objectives, performing analyses of data and disseminating results to assigned project lead or supervisor. Evaluate models and findings of other VBA analysts and contractors in area of specialization to assist assigned project lead or supervisor. Support the creation and refinement of data visualizations, dashboards, and analytical summaries that clearly communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders. GS-12: Design and develop data sourcing, preparation, and analytical dataset construction processes; perform data extractions using computer programming without preset specifications; identify and resolve data quality issues, structural challenges, and non-routine extraction problems; validate data completeness and accuracy; and document methodologies for reproducibility and audit purposes. Work in established and emerging data science tools such as Toad, SAS, Python, Tableau, and cloud analytics platforms, building statistical models in support of VBA operations and developing algorithms or tools to support data manipulation and processing. Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of VBA program operations in meeting business line or higher established goals and objectives, performing analyses of data and disseminating results. Conduct data science projects including problem definition, identification of key variables, development of analytical methodology, development of recommendations, and presentation of results. Create and refine data visualizations, dashboards, statistical reports, and presentations that clearly communicate analytical methodologies, data quality considerations, and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. GS-13: Design, develop, and optimize comprehensive data sourcing, preparation, and analytical dataset construction processes; oversee resolution of complex data quality and structural challenges; establish standards for data validation, documentation, and reproducibility; and ensure systems adequately support current and future analytical needs. Work in established and emerging data science tools such as Toad, SAS, Python, Tableau, and cloud analytics platforms, building statistical models in support of VBA operations and developing algorithms or tools to support data manipulation and processing. Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of VBA program operations in meeting business line or higher established goals and objectives, performing analyses of data and disseminating results. Plan and conduct data science projects with detailed problem definition, identification of key variables, development of analytical methodology, development of recommendations, and presentation of results. Develop data products including dashboards, statistical reports, presentations, and visualizations that communicate analytical findings and support organizational decision-making, ensuring products are tailored to audience technical expertise. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday. Compressed/Flexible: Available. Telework: This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. The selectee is required to report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Telework may be approved only on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized for this position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Data Scientist; GS-1560-11 PD# 39796A, GS-1560-12 PD# 39795A,GS-1560-13 PD# 39794A. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required.
Requirements
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements I-9 Acceptable Documents.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. You may submit unofficial transcripts when applying. However, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official transcript or a statement from the institution (e.g., from the registrar, dean, or other appropriate official) or equivalent documentation prior to the start date. There is no education substitute at the GS-12 or GS-13 levels.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Computer Languages - Knowledge of computer languages and their applications to enable a system to perform specific functions. Reasoning - Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Developing Others - Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Customer Service - Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.