Department: Department of Homeland Security
Agency: U.S. Secret Service
Job Announcement Number: HRT-WJ12559-07
Operations Research Analyst (Interdisciplinary)
Salary Range: $46,041 to $103,220 USD Per Year
Open Period: August 8, 2007 to August 17, 2007
Series & Grade: GS-1515-9/11/12/13
Position Information: Full-Time Permanent
Promotion Potential: GS-13Duty Location: 1+ vacancies - Office of Human Resources and Training, Workforce Planning Office, Washington, D.C.
**NOTE: THIS POSITION IS ALSO BEING ADVERTISED AS A STATISTICIAN, GS-1530, VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: HRT-WJ12555-07 AND AS AN SOCIAL RESEARCH ANALYST, GS-0101, VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: HRT-WJ12557-07. THIS POSITION IS INTERDISCIPLINARY IN NATURE AND MAY BE FILLED BY AN APPLICANT FROM THE 0101 OR 1530 SERIES.
Who May Be Considered: All U.S. Citizens
Indicate lowest grade acceptable. Applicants who fail to indicate the lowest grade acceptable will only be referred for the highest grade for which qualified.
Job Summary:
Building on a Tradition of Excellence and Meeting the Challenges of the Future
The Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization with two critical national security missions: protect our nation’s leaders and to conduct criminal investigations. Our team members continue a tradition of excellence – whether investigating financial crime or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the Secret Service, we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity and courage.
In the Secret Service, we:
· Protect the President, the Vice President, and other leaders; investigate threats against them; and, safeguard their residences and other facilities
· Plan and implement security designs for National Special Security Events
· Investigate financial crimes including fraud, identity theft and computer-based attacks on banking or telecommunications infrastructure
Major Duties: The selectee will be responsible for performing a variety of duties requiring research statistical work in support of workforce planning, forecasting, and analyzing of workforce development. Duties include, but are not limited to: participating as an analyst in a full range of quantitatively oriented studies involving highly sensitive workforce planning and forecasting issues of major importance to Secret Service programs and operations; providing expert analysis on the validity of assumptions made and the criteria by which alternatives will be evaluated; designing, developing, and maintaining workforce models to forecast and project the size and flow of the workforce; developing strategies for addressing actual and potential organizational deficiencies based on projected skills gaps and demands; recommending adjustments to the Human Capital Strategic Plan (HCSP), Workforce Plan, and Service performance objectives; modifying and maintaining appropriate systems to integrate position identification inventory, employee demographic inventory, skills and competencies, career tracking, and other pertinent workforce data that are essential to managements decision-making and analysis; and presenting recommendations orally and in writing to management and operating officials to gain acceptance of recommendations.
Qualifications: Fully describe your duties and accomplishments under the work experience block of your application or on your resume. List only education from an educational institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants MUST provide copies of college transcript.
Candidates must meet the qualification requirements of the position no later than thirty (30) days after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. The requirements are:
1) Applicants must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position no more than one (1) or two (2) grades lower (or equivalent) than the position to be filled; and
2) Candidates must meet the experience and /or education requirements contained in the Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions. To qualify:
Basic Requirement:
A. 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.
At the GS-9 level: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level; or a master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters degree or equivalent graduate degree is required.
At the GS-11 level: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level; or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a PhD. or equivalent doctoral degree is required.
At the GS-12 level: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level is required.
At the GS-13 level: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level is required.
Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to research and statistical work in support of workforce planning. To be creditable, specialized experience must at least be equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Special Requirements:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
This position is critical-sensitive. Completion of a full-field investigation is required before appointment. Applicants must qualify for a top secret clearance.
All applicants tentatively selected for this position (except current Secret Service employees) shall be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Actual appointment will be contingent upon the receipt of a negative drug test result.
How Will You Be Evaluated:
SELECTIVE FACTOR(S): Not Required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:
***IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED*** for this vacancy, applicants must submit a Supplemental Qualifications Statement describing ***separately for each Knowledge, Skill and Ability (KSA) listed in this announcement*** their experience, education, training, and awards. Experience listed in the Supplemental Qualification Statement (KSA) should also be reflected in the work experience block of your application or your resume. The first KSA is the quality ranking factor (the factor used in determining the best qualified applicants). Those applicants who do not meet the quality ranking factor WILL NOT be referred to the selecting official.
1. Knowledge of statistical theory and techniques, methods, principles and characteristics of the statistical resources, methods and procedures.
2. Knowledge of conventional research methods, techniques and approaches in order to develop problem solving methods such as queuing theory, optimization methods, simulation, or artificial intelligence.
3. Knowledge of survey and quantitative design and psychometric principles in order to plan, develop, test, administer, and interpret results of surveys and questionnaires.
4. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to convey thoughts and ideas, often involving complex technical information.
BASIS FOR RATING:
You will be rated based on an evaluation of your experience and education as it relates to the qualification requirements and on your responses to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed above. Qualified candidates will be assigned a score between 70 and 100, not including points that may be assigned for veteran’s preference. To be considered well qualified under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) and the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), an eligible applicant must have a minimum score of 85.0 on the rating criteria. All applicants must also submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. For more information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: http://www.opm.gov/ctap.
Benefits:
You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.
Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life
Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci
New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr
You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA
You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV
You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI
If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.
Other Information:
When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
*RELOCATION EXPENSES FOR TRANSFER ELIGIBLES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR PAYMENT BY THE GAINING FACILITY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CURRENT SECRET SERVICE EMPLOYEES.
How to Apply:
How to Submit Applications Electronically:
Applications for this vacancy MUST be received BEFORE midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. All applicants must submit an OF 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment; or an SF 171, Application for Federal Employment; or a resume; or any other application form, which includes the information cited in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) brochure OF 510, Applying for a Federal Job. This brochure is available from OPM or the Secret Service Personnel Division. NOTE: Applicants who submit an OF 612, or a resume, or any other application form other than the SF 171 must also include a Declaration for Federal Employment, OF 306. Further, applicants must respond to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the vacancy announcement. For your convenience, the Secret Service has included blank pages at the end of the electronic OF 612 http://www.secretservice.gov/apply_apt.shtml for your use in responding to the knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You have two choices on how to submit applications electronically.
1. You may submit your application via email to the following address:
jobs@secretservice.gov
After saving your completed application, e-mail the application using the instructions on the form (or as an attachment) to the e-mail address listed above. Enter the vacancy announcement number on the subject line of the e-mail.
2. You may submit your application by fax. If you elect to do so, you should mark each page of your application with your name, social security number, and the appropriate vacancy announcement number. The fax numbers for the Secret Service Personnel Division application lines are:
(202)406-6654
(202)406-6574
If you are claiming veterans’ preference you must submit the following documentation by fax within 48 hours of the closing date of this announcement to receive this credit. If you are claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, submit a Standard Form 15, Application for 10-point Preference, your DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and a letter from the Veterans Administration documenting your 10-point veterans’ preference. If you are claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, submit a copy of your DD 214.
Candidates with Federal government transfer or reinstatement eligibility MUST submit a copy of their most recent SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing their career or career-conditional status or reinstatement eligibility (tenure code and position occupied) by fax within 48 hours of the closing date of this announcement. Candidates with Federal government status who want to be considered under competitive and merit promotion procedures should submit two applications and indicate that they wish to be considered under both procedures on their applications or on a separate memorandum; otherwise, consideration will be given under merit promotion procedures only. Candidates with Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 eligibility who want to be considered under competitive and merit promotion procedures should submit two applications and indicate that they wish to be considered under both procedures on their applications or on a separate memorandum; otherwise, consideration will be given under competitive procedures only.
NOTE: Applicants must submit the specific information requested in this vacancy announcement (i.e., the Supplemental Qualifications Statement and, as appropriate, proof of veterans preference, SF 50, and copy of college transcript). Applicants who fail to submit all of the information requested in the OF 510 and this vacancy announcement will NOT receive consideration for the position.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency by calling (202)406-5800. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
THE UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Contact Information:
U.S. Secret Service
Phone: 202-406-6420
Fax: 202-406-6654/202-406-6574
TDD: 202-406-5390
Internet: jobs@secretservice.gov
What to Expect Next:
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans’ preference. For service beginning after October 15, 1976, the veteran must have served the required length of time and have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, a service-connected disability, or have served in the Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and January 2, 1992.
The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under agency’s promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from outside of its own workforce.
To claim veterans’ preference, veterans should be ready to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference.
For more specifics on all veterans employment issues such as Veterans preference or special appointing authorities see the VetGuide.
Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials, will result in your application not being processed.
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.