Operations Research Analyst

To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS (All GRADES): 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. All applicants must provide copies of transcripts or relevant documentation to verify Basic Requirements.

Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite.

Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified. AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-14: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical/statistical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled.

This experience is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant conducted operations research using well-established and innovative methods for identifying the probable causes of cost/workload variances and procedures for resolving variances and selected and applied mathematics, economics, econometrics and/or statistics appropriate to solving operations research problems, such as the development of computerized mathematical resource allocation models (e.g. simulation),regression models, econometric projections or workload forecasting models.

AND You must also meet the following requirement(s): TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment.

For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens" TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05, applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for.

For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03 or 04 positions. For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position. Analyzes the efficiency and effectiveness of major Criminal Investigation programs using design, development, and adaptation sophisticated mathematical, statistical, and other scientific methods.

Conducts operational research concerning critical tax administration and management problems in utilizing mathematical techniques, statistical methods, and scientific discipline. Develops methods to identify areas of non-compliance using mathematical techniques and analytical models designed to gain increased knowledge in specific areas and predict effects of alternative actions.

Develops formulas using discriminate and other statistical analysis to identify taxpayer documents and processes that have a high degree of fraud potential. Develops and applies research techniques for problem solving using data obtained from a variety of sources both from inside and outside the Service. Formulates economic theories in mathematical terms so that they can be tested statistically to predict the probable impact on Criminal Investigation and other Operational Divisions.

Provides a quantitative basis for decision making to improve operations using unconventional approaches. Provides leadership and guidance for management in determining the nature and quantity of data to be collected and analyzed, establishing the methodology of study, and evaluating alternative choices. STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTIONS (SPD): PD23151 Visit the IRS SPD Library to access the position descriptions.