The Operations Research Analyst is a cross-portfolio research management position. The incumbent performs complex evaluation studies that span operations and GSA program and policy areas at the program level and the enterprise level. The initiatives undertaken include designing, implementing, analyzing, and reporting research and evaluation studies to further the mission of GSA.
Location of position: GSA, Office of Government-wide Policy, Office of Evaluation Sciences, Remote position.
Summary
The Operations Research Analyst is a cross-portfolio research management position. The incumbent performs complex evaluation studies that span operations and GSA program and policy areas at the program level and the enterprise level. The initiatives undertaken include designing, implementing, analyzing, and reporting research and evaluation studies to further the mission of GSA.
Location of position: GSA, Office of Government-wide Policy, Office of Evaluation Sciences, Remote position.
Yes - This position is 100% remote and can be filled anywhere in the U.S. The location of this position will be determined upon selection. We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Telework eligible
Not applicable, this is a remote position.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - May be required to attend meetings and training.
This public notice is issued under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit talent to occupations for which there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need. This means that we can hire any qualified candidate from this notice or any other source.
About this DHA notice:
-Current civil service employees will receive new appointments if selected under this DHA.
-For information on DHA, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/
Oversees, coordinates, and conducts quantitative and qualitative evaluation studies and analyses that are highly technical in nature. Evaluation studies performed include descriptive studies, formative research, and impact evaluations, including randomized evaluations.
Responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out projects and is accountable for technical appropriateness, soundness, and interpretation of results including tasks such as but not limited to developing study questions, study objectives, theory of change, hypotheses, data collection and measurement (quantitative and qualitative) strategies and instruments, and rigorous approaches for testing hypotheses.
Investigates programs of considerable complexity and finds relevant and applicable solutions, relying on empirical evidence to assess the problem, consider policy alternatives, and make evidence-based recommendations.
Utilize skills in quantitative methods which include but are not limited to manipulation and cleaning of complex administrative data sets; randomized controlled trials; regression discontinuity, and the use of natural experiments; predictive modeling or machine learning; and data visualization techniques.
Supports creating study data files in statistical software, data entry, and execution of relevant statistical functions, execution of statistical analyses, and interpretation and analyses of data as needed. Uses varied state of the art quantitative and mixed methods combined with the use of statistical software, including for example R, Stata and Python.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Current or Former Political Appointees: 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 or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-13salary range starts at $103,409 per year. Locality will be determined upon selection.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
To qualify, you must meet the basic requirements below and have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
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.
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.
The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the Basic Requirements above, all candidates must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the federal service.
Specialized experience:
Leading an organization or agency level’s qualitative and quantitative research including conducting detailed analyses of complex datasets to identify trends and findings utilizing software (i.e. R, Stata, and Python programming language); and
Producing and presenting research and evaluation findings to varied audiences through materials including reports, presentations, or journal articles; and
Managing an organization or agency level’s evaluation studies with experience leading evaluation studies with at least two of the following methods: randomized controlled trials; quasi experimental methods (e.g., difference in difference, matching estimators, regression discontinuity, or the use of natural experiments (i.e. where individuals or groups are exposed to either an experimental and control condition outside of the control of the researchers); mixed methods; or process or implementation evaluation studies in applied policy settings.
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Education
Note: 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://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is ineligible for the bargaining unit
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
· Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
· Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated against the basic qualifications. Qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Direct Hire Guidelines. Applications will not be rated or ranked. Veterans’ Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures.
You may not be considered for the position, if any part of the application is incomplete or missing the required supporting documentation. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or dismissing you if hired.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates: The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found “well-qualified" for this vacancy. In addition to meeting the basic qualifications stated in the qualification section of this announcement, well qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, demonstrated by meeting at least 51% or more of the competencies/KSA’s listed below (i.e. 3 out of 5, or 4 out of 6, or 5 out of 8, etc.)
Knowledge in research techniques to conduct and lead professional and highly technical work involved in the performance of operations research evaluation studies and analytics in support of related decision making process area(s), financial and performance management, and problem solving.
Knowledge in areas of operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, acquisitions and the participation in professional conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Ability to use advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of operations research and related sciences and disciplines.
Knowledge to execute broad analytic projects of an unprecedented nature. Analytics performed generally take a wide view of financial and performance management processes, and agency policies.
Ability to apply formal training in quantitative analysis and operations research requiring the application of such techniques as mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, linear and nonlinear programming, simulation, decision theory, and probability theory are necessary for accomplishing operations research evaluation studies.
Ability to use advanced computer skills are required for analytical processing and data manipulation.
Ability to organize and lead teams engaged in analytic projects of complex issues and problems. Ability to act as project leader and technical subject matter expert, and a mentor to all junior analysts assigned to the team.
Skill in written and oral communications including presentation techniques in order to present analytic findings and recommendations to high level organization leadership and other management officials.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Office of Governmentwide Policy
General Services Administration
HR Services, Staff Offices Center
1800 F Street NW Room 1100
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Office of Governmentwide Policy
General Services Administration
HR Services, Staff Offices Center
1800 F Street NW Room 1100
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
