Operations Research Analyst, ZP-1515-3 (MAP)

Duties

The individual selected for this position will...

• Perform professional and scientific work in the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques to analyze problems of management and to provide advice and insight on the probable effects of alternative solutions.
• Develop and operate data sets using PCs and data management software.
• Identify and implement new software applications.
• Consult with customers to refine functional requirements and translate functional requirements into technical specifications.
• Prepare manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals or management related papers.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement, in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet the following requirements:

EDUCATION:

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.

-AND-

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

This experience need not have been in the federal government. 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.

To qualify at the ZP-03:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-02 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Performing background research using analytic approaches to address theoretical and applied questions in marine population ecology and fishery management.
• Developing and executing a project plan.
• Organizing and evaluating results, and preparing reports of findings.
• Using applied research tools commonly employed to include advanced statistical methods, including experience with one or more of the following: R programming language, Apex, or Oracle database applications.

-OR-

Substitution of Education: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree.

-OR-

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower level grade level may be combined with experience.