Data Scientist

Summary

This position is located in the DEA, Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Data Analysis Unit (DOED) This position(s) primary purpose is to devise methodologies, data structures, and coding techniques that efficiently organize raw data into usable information that can be analyzed using statistical or other mathematical concepts.

Duties

As a Data Scientist your typical work assignments may include: Compiling and organizing structured and unstructured program data into tangible and usable information that aids in criminal investigations and analysis of operations for agency personnel. Managing the hardware and software components used to gather, organize, store, and retrieve data ensuring that they are updated in accordance with established policies and procedures and operational requirements. Developing machine learning tools, algorithms, and queries that are used to analyze diverse, open source, commercial, and proprietary data both structured and unstructured, to identify connections and associations that are not easily observable. Devising informational resources, guides, and other reporting material using consistent formats, structure, and messaging to convey complex topics and subjects in easily digestible charts, diagrams, and graphs. Authoring formal analysis reports and assessments or findings under strict timelines used to facilitate decisions made at the leadership and executive level within the organization. Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application. Basic Qualification Requirements: : The basic requirement for this position requires a degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. -OR- A combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet the following requirements: Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. Specialized 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. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: GS-13: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) utilizing data management systems to organize data into tangible and usable information to aid in analysis; 2) authoring formal analysis reports, assessments or findings used to facilitate decision making; 3) developing queries for data extraction; and 4) conducting studies to determine the validity of data, methodologies used, or results of information/analysis. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and assessment questionnaire. If you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements for this position a panel of subject-matter-experts (SMEs) will perform a structured review of your resume to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Data Extraction and Transformation Research Database Administration Writing The assessment questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions which provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question in 200-words or less. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and have not used a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) candidates must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for selection priority. Candidates are considered well qualified if their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) exceed the minimum qualifications described in the announcement. ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE: You may preview the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13094254. Other Information

For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions. Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available. If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.