Operations Research Analysts

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a key analyst and recognized expert performing professional and scientific work requiring the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques and provide advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative courses of action. Responsibilities Perform a broad range of operations research analyses assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies. Utilize scientific inquiry in the independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. Provide technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance on an entire project and/or major phases for broad and varied operations. Attend meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts. Accomplish professional development and maintain technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, associations, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development (R&D) organizations, and participation in formal training programs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupation Requirements (IOR) for Operations Research Series 1515 and Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems in federal service which equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes performing scientific work involving designing, developing, and adapting mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques; analyzing management problems and providing advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative solutions to these problems; and knowledge of rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis. To view additional qualification information, click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information Conditions of Employment, continued The duties of this position meet all requirements as a category 4 designation and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency or office to function effectively. This position must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CAN NOT become a member of the Ready Reserve. (IAW: DoDD 1200.7, "Screening the Ready Reserve") Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. Additionally, if you are serving on a term appointment in the competitive service, you may be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition. NOTE: Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

+ Provide advanced studies and assessments to support technology transition activities related to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve research and development projects

+ Research commercialization pathways for innovation portfolio projects that may offer opportunities to reduce the government’s required investment in the advancement of dual-use technologies

+ Provide innovation services support including coordination with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve field-level innovation teams, collaboration with outsourced education partners, research of emerging technologies to determine applicability to Air Reserve Component (ARC) problem statements, and facilitation of development of ARC problem statements. The Senior Analyst may also coordinate and integrate across task elements for innovation related discoveries, challenges, solutions and planning

+ Provide education, training, and tactics techniques and procedures (TTP) development assistance for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve research and development projects

+ Develop innovation training, provide innovation facilitation instruction for training events, coach innovation teams, and participate in outsourced innovation training events

+ Provide support to Project Manager, Contracting, or senior-level Engineering personnel in the areas of:

o Project scheduling

o Configuration management,

o Finance and accounting

o Contracting

o Limited data analyses

o Database development or data gathering

o Preparation of technical/program reports or briefings, test plans and reports, and associated documentation

o Test or validation/verification assistance

+ Participate in test or project events as assigned by Project Manager or Engineer, reports status and results

+ Other duties as assigned

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Requirements

Education/Training:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in relevant engineering or science discipline required

Experience:

+ 5+ years of professional experience in the required task area

Security:

+ Must be a US citizen

+ Active Secret clearance required

Benefits

+ Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

+ Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

+ Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

+ Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

+ Short Term & Long Term Disability

+ Training & Development

+ Wellness Resources