Operations Research Analyst

Summary

This position is location in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), within System Operations Services (AJR) in the Performance Analysis Directorate (AJR-G).

Duties

The Operations Research Analyst performs a mixture of routine and multiple and varying assignments under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader or more experience technical specialist. Collects, records and analyzes data by applying mathematical modeling, statistical analysis and other optimizing methods to provide information that assist management with decision making. Applies experience and detailed technical knowledge in operations research, mathematical, statistical, econometric and scientific theories, principles, concepts, methods and techniques to accomplish assignments. Analyzes data using probability or statistics to identify trends or relationships among variables and assists with evaluating data resulting from applying mathematical or statistical tools, models and techniques. Assists with compiling, coding, categorizing, auditing or verifying data which contributes to the identification of recurring problems in aviation and aerospace industries including airline operations. Assists more experienced analysts with analyzing and identifying areas for improved efficiency of the operational performance of the NAS by designing, developing, adapting and applying statistical models, data analytics and other research methods. Assists in validating and testing performance reporting tools, while working with operational data sources such as Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM). Utilizes analytical software and tools, databases and other automated systems to assist in defining data requirements and gathering and validating information. Frequently refers difficult problems and work issues to a manager, program/project manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist when guidelines are not available or applicable. Contacts are primarily internal to the organizational unit, major subdivision, and LOB/SO, with some contact with customers and external organizations. Contacts are typically intended to share information, provide data and/or written analyses, and discuss the status of assignments. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow some discretion to select the most appropriate approach. Typically receives guidance on selecting approach from a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. May provide recommendations to improve work processes. Work is reviewed periodically during assignments and at completion to ensure timeliness and technical compliance with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically support the activities of the organizational unit and may affect project/program objectives for the major subdivision and the ATO. In some area, the work may affect the safety and security of customers.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-G, FG/GS-5/9 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience includes: -Experience compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating and verifying data. -Experience utilizing automated systems, analytical software and tools, and databases to gather data. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD OR HAVE HELD THISPOSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FORUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. Basic Requirements: 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. 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.