Data Scientist

Summary

The Data Scientist position is responsible for identifying and implementing the methods, processes, algorithms, tools, and systems to extract, analyze, and organize structured and unstructured data related to performance and management of Agricultural and Marketing Services (AMS) grants and agreements.

Duties

• •The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• •Analyze structured and unstructured project and financial data from AMS grants and agreements to evaluate portfolio and program performance, project effectiveness, mission alignment, and risks.
• •Develop and apply computational algorithms, statistical methods, and data preparation techniques to clean, merge, standardize, and transform large multi source datasets.
• •Develop and utilize data visualization tools to translate factual information and analysis into insights, findings, and summary syntheses for non-technical audiences.
• •Collaborate with program teams - and the Director or designee to develop and implement data requirements, methodologies, and plans supporting summary reporting, program evaluation, information integrity, and management direction.
• •Provide technical advice on pilot initiatives, new technologies, and data science applications; participate on cross-functional teams supporting development, implementation, and modernization efforts.
• •Lead or support data validation studies, process reviews, and system assessments to evaluate for potential program or systems vulnerabilities and improve program operations.
• •Serve as a partnering resource to Branch Chiefs and Lead Grants Management Specialists.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: 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 Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in the paragraph above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess: FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Developed automated pipelines for data extraction from internal databases or publicly available data sources to combine data for statistical analysis, construction of new databases, and construction of data products that create spatial layers for additional analyses. Developed visualizations using such tools as PowerBI or Tableau related to financial assistance and/or grant project data to communicate results to executives and non-technical stakeholders Analyzed structured and unstructured datasets related to grant or cooperative agreement management to assess program performance and related Federal financial assistance outcomes. Cleaned, merged, and reviewed large datasets using programming languages such as Python, SQL, R, or Java Script (full stack) to develop and deploy analytical models and validate data accuracy. Collaborated regularly with multidisciplinary teams and leadership to define data requirements, analytical methods, or program evaluation approaches. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.