Operations Research Analyst
What you'd do
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer (OCRSO). The primary purpose of this position is to provide support and oversight in all aspects of cost estimating, program analysis, and resource decision-making for asset management and logistics support programs across DHS. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Major duties
As a Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-13/14, your typical work assignments may include the following: Provides cost analysis and program analyst support for major acquisition and infrastructure programs at DHS. Maintains close interaction with cost estimating, program management, and technical representatives of contractors, Components, programs, and other organizations for the purpose of providing advice and guidance on cost estimating, program analysis, and resource management. Develops cost models and program evaluation tools, including cost sensitivity and cost benefit analyses, communicated to top DHS management within a very short time frame. Performs analyses of Chief Readiness Support Officer (CRSO) programs and presents results to appropriate DHS stakeholders. Presents briefings on results of cost analysis and program evaluation to various senior DHS personnel. Performs a wide variety of budget and analytical duties on annual and/or multi-year budget estimates for assigned programs during the formulation, execution, and evaluation phases of the Planning, Programming, Budget and Execution (PPBE) cycle. All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must possess the Basic Requirement AND Specialized Experience Requirement below to qualify. 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. Note: Transcripts must be submitted with your application. 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. Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: Developing and presenting life cycle cost estimates and cost models for major acquisition and real property infrastructure programs to senior management and stakeholders. Conducting affordability analyses and program evaluations in support of annual budget reviews, including the formulation, execution, and evaluation phases of the Planning, Programming, Budget and Execution (PPBE) cycle. AND Providing technical guidance and training to program offices and component representatives on cost estimating methodologies, tools, and best practices for resource allocation and program analysis. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: Leading the development and implementation of cost estimating guidance, policies, and analytical tools for major acquisition and infrastructure programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and national security priorities. Advising executive leadership and Acquisition Decision Authorities on complex cost risk assessments, uncertainty analyses, and capital plan evaluations to inform resource allocation and strategic decision-making. AND Representing the organization at interagency meetings, technical conferences, and briefings, providing expert recommendations and responses on cost analysis and program evaluation issues to senior officials, congressional stakeholders, and external partners. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement. Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE. 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. 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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Before you apply
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