Data Scientist
What you'd do
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.
Major duties
his position is in Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO), Office of Innovation (INN), Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The incumbent will serve as a Data Scientist, responsible for utilizing scientific methodologies, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract insights from structured and unstructured data and to provide guidance for data-driven decision making.in support of OIG investigations, audits, and inspections. Typical assignments for GS-7 include: Extracting data from internal/external data sources and provided files using prescribed tools, scripts, or step-by-step procedures; performing basic cleaning tasks; and loading into approved environments. Calculating basic descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, totals, averages, percentages) using spreadsheets or standard software functions and running predefined statistical routines or notebook templates. Creating simple charts, graphs, and tables (e.g., bar charts, line charts, pie charts) in tools such as Excel or introductory business intelligence tools using prepared data. Running existing scripts (e.g., Python, R, Perl, VBScript) to import, transform, or export data according to written instructions. Typical assignments for GS-9 include: Extracting, cleaning, transforming, and organizing data from internal and external data sources using established tools, scripts, and queries. Applying descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, means, medians, standard deviations), simple inferential techniques (e.g., t-tests, chi-square tests) or standard libraries or built-in functions (e.g. regression, classification, clustering) to answer defined questions. Building and updating dashboards, reports, and visualizations in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms using prepared or team-approved data models. Automating routine manual tasks (e.g., parsing large data files, merging files, recurring data quality checks, scheduled refreshes) to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
What you need to qualify
Minimum Qualifications GS-07: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Applying basic statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings. Writing and modifying scripts with open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line) with close supervision or detailed instructions. Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software. Assisting in preparing written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff. Minimum Qualifications GS-09: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Applying basic statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings. Writing and modifying scripts with open source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line) under supervision or with detailed guidance. Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software. Assisting in the preparation of written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff. 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. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 08/26/2026 of this announcement. 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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