Operations Research Analyst
What you'd do
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Strategic Planning and Analysis Directorate, located in Washington, D.C. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Major duties
As an Operations Research Analyst you will perform a wide range of operations research and analytic activities to advise and assist management in solving complex programmatic and administrative issues relating to strategy development, process modernization, resource allocation, acquisition planning, program scheduling, system design, and budget formulation. These activities include quantitative and qualitative analysis, mathematical modeling, simulation, applied mathematics, statistics, probability, process improvement, supply chain analysis, economic analysis and cost analysis. This position starts at a salary of $121,785.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $158,322.00 (GS-13, Step 10). GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts. Typical duties include: Working in a team environment as a member of an integrated strategic team within a technical workforce to meet customer needs and requirements for products and/or services. Gathering information and selecting critical data elements from information systems for inclusion in models, dashboards, and reports to enable leadership to make informed decisions and support strategic decision-making. Applying analytical processes, methods, and tools to identify and solve a wide variety of complex problems involving competing objectives, variables, and constraints, while delivering optimized technical solutions balanced to achieve anticipated performance outcomes. Demonstrating expertise in information systems and technically authoritative guidance to perform mathematical, statistical, and other analytical projects related to enforcement information and national security initiatives. Documenting project purposes, methods, assumptions, and conclusions, and briefing senior officials and other stakeholders on project progress.
What you need to qualify
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement. Basic Requirement: 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. You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above AND possess the experience as described 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: Analyzing data from enterprise information systems to assess data structures, flows, and quality; identifying issues with completeness, accuracy, or consistency; and recommending or implementing changes that enhance the reliability and usefulness of data for operational planning, performance measurement, and reporting. Applying operations research and statistical methods to design and conduct analytical studies that evaluate and improve operational or administrative processes, system performance, or resource allocation. Interpreting and applying organizational policies, directives, and strategic plans related to information technology, data management, performance measurement, and operational planning to ensure that analytical findings and recommendations align with mission objectives, legal and policy requirements, and resource constraints. Preparing and delivering well-structured written reports, briefings, and decision support products that explain analytical methods, assumptions, findings, options, risks, and tradeoffs, and presenting these products to management and stakeholders. Using analytical and statistical software, programming or scripting languages, and visualization tools to build and implement complex analytical models; conduct statistical and sensitivity analyses; and translate results into clear tables, charts, and dashboards for technical and non-technical audiences. 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 07/14/2026. 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. 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. Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.
Before you apply
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