Operations Research Analyst-Direct Hire
What you'd do
WHAT IS DATA AND ANALYTICS? A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions Position(s) are to be filled in the following area(s): Data and Analytics (DAO)- Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS) REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Major duties
The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position. Independently conducts, leads, or participates in studies of complex problems requiring considerable ingenuity to determine the approach and identify the relevant factors for analysis. The incumbent is responsible for defining the problems involved, formulating the overall concepts, evaluating findings, and recommending solutions. Selects and applies mathematics, economics, econometrics, and/or statistics appropriate to solving researchproblems, such as the development of computerized mathematical resource allocation models (e.g., simulation),regression models, econometric projections, or workload forecasting models. Leads professional and scientific work drawing on systems analysis, mathematical, econometric, and/or statistical techniques; determines the types of data needed to meet the objectives of the assignment. Applies more advanced statistical and mathematical techniques in accordance with established research techniques. Conducts operations research using innovative analytical approaches and applying techniques in a creative manner to solve very Service wide challenges, enhance performance, or increase efficiency and effectiveness for stakeholders.
What you need to qualify
Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume. You must meet the following requirements by the cut-off date as shown in announcement under the 'How to Apply' section. BASIC REQUIREMENTS GS-5 AND (All GRADES): A 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 GS-11 Level: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience with mathematical reasoning/statistical project assignments that require operations research requirements and techniques. For example, experience would show a good understanding of operations research processes, procedures, and rules. Experience utilizing mathematical methods and scientific principles in order to accomplish studies, develop a variety of mathematical models and provide management with solutions or recommendations or the equivalent. Experience using multivariate techniques and pertinent mathematical, simulation, economics, econometric and statistical operations research techniques. Experience researching and gathering data from a variety of sources and using it to analyze technical projects and program areas. Experience using negotiation and conflict resolution techniques to collaborate in a team environment. Experience using oral and written techniques to develop/prepare presentations and deliver briefings, and experience managing/leading teams to develop analysis and final deliverables. Experience with a declarative, set-based query language for managing and manipulating data in relational databases (examples include: SQL) or object-oriented programming language for data analysis (examples include: Python, R, SAS). OR Education: You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements. OR A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements. OR Combination of Education and Experience: You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-12 Level: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position must include the following: Experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This experience is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of mathematical methods and scientific principles utilized to accomplish complex studies to provide management with viable solutions or recommendations. Experience with multivariate techniques and mathematical, simulation, economics, econometric, and statistical operations research techniques to use in the context of organizational policy decisions or business problems. Experience with the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations and procedures, administrative provisions, and the Internal Revenue Manual in order to ensure guidelines are applied in analysis. Experience assisting or conducting research using standard methods for identifying the probable causes of cost/workload variances and procedures for resolving variances. Experience with oral and written communications to complete data analysis and communicate analytical findings through conference calls, emails, graphic displays, and oral presentations. Experience using a declarative, set-based query language for managing and manipulating data in relational databases (examples include: SQL). Experience using an object-oriented programming language for data analysis (examples include: Python, R, SAS). See education information for Specialized experience qualification for GS 13 Level. For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.
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